They Also Serve Themselves Who Lie in Wait

February 9, 2019

Dear Subscriber:

Each week we examine a theme from a variety of points of view. The theme for this week is the Chinese, or Lunar New Year, which began on February 5, and this year is the Year of the Pig.

I welcome comments on my poems at https://nicholasgordon.blogspot.com .

A poem for the Chinese, or Lunar New Year of the Snake, from the Snake’s point of view:

They also serve themselves who lie in wait,

However much they may be moved to strike.

Empty-headed fools do as they like,

Yielding the ill fortune they call fate.

Eventually, things fall into place

As patience reaps its ultimate reward.

Remember that the wise are rarely bored

Or restless as the game goes on apace.

For those who play it well, with subtlety,

Taking nothing as it might appear,

Having much desire and little fear,

Each moment is suspended ecstasy.

Success is sweetest when it is well earned,

Not snatched from some unmeditated wind.

All one loves may well be left behind,

Kindred of the heart or blood, not kind,

Each a lesson from which one has learned.

© by Nicholas Gordon

If you enjoyed this poem, please like, comment on, or share it so that it might be seen and enjoyed by others. To see this poem on my site, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/theyal.html. For more poems for the Chinese, or Lunar New Year, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/chinesenewyearpoems.html .

This week’s theme: Chinese, or Lunar New Year

2/4: The Point Is Just that I Don’t See the Point

2/5: There’sNothing Really Wrong with Being Last

2/6: There Is NoKnowledge – Only Good Opinion

2/7: There May BeSome Who’ve Wondered Why the Rat

2/8: There’s NoSecret to Nobility

2/9: They Also Serve Themselves Who Lie in Wait