“Patience” [Reflections on Sun Tsu's Art Of War #12-7]
If King is out of sorts one day,
Is angry, or enraged, Tsu says,
His spleen should take a rest, and be
At home, not at the office – see –The same is true for Generals
Whose pique could mean his funeral;
His fury, indignation, wrath,
Resentment, and frustration’s path –Leads to bad choices in the heat;
Advantages seem over-sweet;
But really he just wants to beat
His enemy – and not to retreat.But feelings change from day to day –
The negative can pass away,
’Till happiness, contentment, joy,
Replace bad feelings in those boys.But death in all its forms cannot
Revert to life – destruction stop,
And turn about, rebuild itself,
Once war’s depleted nation’s wealth.Good rulers of enlightened bent,
And the Generals whom Kings have sent,
Both exercise a prudent tone;
Are cautious, vigilant – lest home –Be lost for something frivolous;
Or, playing supercilious,
Awaking to reality –
Decision’s great stupidity.“For what?” That question comes too late –
They should pre-think that first – for “Great”
Is label for such Generals
Who think of such ephemerals.And when I take Your point of view,
And look at what Tsu says to do,
A smile comes quickly to my face,
For I’m too hasty in my pace –Compared to You and Father-God
Who stay so cool, collected – odd
I should be seven decades in
Before I see how to begin –Or not – for benefits for those
Who seek them out, who anger know,
But set aside emotion’s fuss,
Stay focused on assisting us.“Play God – for in His image we
Are made” – a better pictures see –
Of patience, long-term view of things;
Love, peace, security, that brings.Thanks Lord for this.
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