
In ancient times, the world was whole
The sky was clear, the earth was stable
The mountains were firm
The riverbeds were full
Nature was fertile,
Rulers were supported
But, losing clarity, the sky tore
Losing stability, the earth split
Losing strength, the mountains sank
Losing support the rulers fell
Rulers depend on their subjects
The elite depend on the masses
So rulers call themselves orphaned, hungry and alone
To win the support of the masses
Tao Wisdom