To Lao Tzu
He had the face of a dragon
and his words
fired the soul.
He was at home
in the company of bones,
a surprise to the earth.
He took simplicity as his master,
moving like wind and water
through the world.
He was one of the few
whose heart did not die
at the altar of obedience.
He knew neither justice
nor vengeance,
yet his kindness weighed them both.
He lived his days
with hands cupping truth
for those sturdy enough to drink.