July 17, 2022

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Chi Hsing-tzu...trainer
he trained gamecocks for the king
he had a new charge

the king was anxious
he kept asking the trainer
is he fight ready

at the ten-day mark
no, he said, too arrogant
relies on his strength

after twenty days
not ready was the report
too excitable

after thirty days
ready, pronounced Chi Hsing-tzu
he has all he needs

when a rival crows
he is like a block of wood
he does not react

focusing inward
he is intimidating
birds see him and run

not a fighting tale...
a story of harmony
inner and outer

Inspired by The Second Book of Tao

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