Heaven and Earth

Lao Tzu

 
Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be
 benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt
 with. The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they
 deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with.
 
May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a
 bellows?
 
‘Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power;
 ‘Tis moved again, and sends forth air the more.
 Much speech to swift exhaustion lead we see;
 Your inner being guard, and keep it free.

The Valley Spirit

The valley spirit dies not, aye the same;
 The female mystery thus do we name.
 Its gate, from which at first they issued forth,
 Is called the root from which grew heaven and earth.
 Long and unbroken does its power remain,
 Used gently, and without the touch of pain.