15. MODESTY poem based on I Ching Copyright 1995 by joemorales(AT)gmail



THE HIGH MOUNTAINS
are the earth's protruding bones
of fractured bedrock under earthy tons.
The stronger rock rises & crushes weaker ones
yet the weaker rocks are the moderating ones
for if firmness was equal in all the stones...
The stress build-up leads to violent overtones.

THEN THERE IS WATER
which is much softer.
It seeks out cracks and places even lower.
Yet when it freezes it's even harder.
It tears down huge mountains as a glacier
carrying small mountains on it's shoulder
or it just grinds them up as "valley filler".

THEN THERE IS TIME... 
It wastes everything away.
Yet our inner being is renewed each day.
Momentary trials bring us lasting glory.
On the unseen things we must keep our eye
for the things we see are only temporary.
But the things of God will not pass away.

Thus, immutable heavenly law will show...
That which is lofty shall be brought low.
Thus the modest one sees things through
and perseveres in what one knows is true.
Where Humility walks Success will follow.

15. MODESTY:THE LINES...
SIX AT THE BOTTOM MEANS:
One's modest about ones modesty
and, thus, may cross the great waterway.
In a dangerous enterprise one's lucky.
Considerations create more difficulty.
On the other hand...  the task is easy
if attended to...  quickly and simply.
This unassuming attitude of modesty 
fits one to accomplish any activity.
Making no demands. Settling easily.

6 IN 2ND PLACE:
A modest mind comes to expression.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

9 IN 3RD PLACE: 
Great works earn one a distinguished name.
But if one bedazzles oneself with fame
critics will see one as "fair game".
If, on the contrary, one is tame
(modest in spite of emerging fame)
good fortune is one's own to claim.

SIX IN FOURTH PLACE.
There is nothing that would not further.
Everything has it's due and proper measure.
This is the place for a worthy helper.
The helper is not a confidence abuser
nor merits obscured in a place inferior.
Officials who hide behind law's letter
(no-accounts, with empty title's bear)...
"These are not modest." I must declare.

6 IN 5TH PLACE: SINCERE ENDEAVOR.
Of the people around. You must be sure.
Confuse not modesty with mellow nature
(Those who let events and courses wander).
The great must take energetic measure
(without impression they are superior).
Be not offensive but objective and pure.
Modesty shows itself even when severe.
There's nothing that will not further.

SIX AT THE TOP MEANS:
It's easy to lay blame on others in self-pity.
Modest sincerity must be shown ... in reality.

WE ARE BUT HUMBLE, SOMETIME CRUSTY, CLAY IN GOD'S HANDS But It Is Our Tears That Keeps Us Soft So God Can Do His Work

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