Sun Tzu, The Most Beautiful Song In His Book
The most beautiful song in my book, strategies that I used in my wars
I sang the map and rivers into silence,
where shadows lent their counsel to the dawn.
I learned the weather by the footfalls of men,
and turned hesitance into a folding blade.
The best victory is a harvest unseen,
when enemies wake to empty fields and quieter hearts.
I placed my army like a thought—light, inevitable—
so their choices shortened to a single path.
A general must be a mirror: hold no face,
reflect strength where none is needed, and none where needed.
I listened to the silence between drums,
and found there the true positions of fear.
Deceit is but a softer wind; ride it, do not drown.
Move like water that forgets the stone's name,
and strike where the soil yields without complaint.
Honor the lives you borrow for a single day,
leave no hatred to bloom behind your feet.
Know when to advance like lightning, when to wait like frost.
Strategy is the quiet art of arranging chances,
so that luck mistakes itself for design.
That is my song—the most beautiful song in my book.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
