virtue

only pretenders to virtue strive to be virtuous, good, kind, or holy.
one does not seek ‘virtue' until the Tao is lost.
one does not desire ‘goodness' until he knows that virtue is beyond his reach.
one does not embrace ‘kindness' until he knows that goodness may pass him by.
one does not strive to be ‘right' until he abandons kindness.
virtue arises spontaneously. it requires no thought or action.
goodness arises compassionately, it requires simple thoughts and loving actions.
kindness arises deliberately, with careful thoughts and considerate deeds.
righteousness arises predictably with moral thoughts and obedient deeds.
the wise leader sees in righteousness the beginning of disorder.
he is not content to hide behind moral absolutes or spiritual pride.
he looks for substance at the root.
when the tree blooms, people offer him the flower, but he prefers to wait for the fruit.
~ The Great Way of all Beings by Paul Ferrini

i am sure you all experience the same cosmic collisions when you journey 'the reality.'

it is most interesting to me, however, how this passage relates to these collisions and what these moments can become if one is present and mindful.
and also what they are, sometimes, no matter your position on impact.
i use to get annoyed. trying to be with my friends yet energy coming at me, never releasing me, sometimes draining me, most always straining... me.
my friends would be upset when these collisions occurred, some felt robbed. others ignored. all this adding to my suffering.

but
i cannot ignore when you move, with openarms and sorrowfilled eyes.
we all make a choice to be what we are or want to be each moment.

i battled
how to be a part of the energy ??? how to maintain self, always focused, never unclear ???
it could have a been brief or a forever collision, how to see ???

creation is wise... giving way to practice lessons learned, lessons to remember, lessons to forget. i begin to use the many tools available to help me see clearly ...
not just my heart and belief that all should be loved.
though there is a desire to become that which is freeflowing in the tao...
in this reality...
all actions can be good if done with active love.

i have been good to people never disrespectful or cold.
but i have preferences for those i wish to hold,
and should i see a like minded energy i open... a little more.

i've been kind... just not blind...
watching each movement to see how it aligns
to what i know to be the role i can take. forging ahead for love's sake...
with tao in heart and silence in my eyes
always ready to assist and share but waiting to see if they truly care.

now...
i've been righteous when behaviors are manifested
out of drug induced thinking...
its hard to see a woman lose sight of her 'me'
just because some fool said shake it sweety
and damn you are sexy...
knowing tomorrow she will be empty
because love is her true seed...
as she wakes not trusting in the power of 'we...'
i've seen it in so many.
but i look for the ones who know it is so...
and remind; but, always with a smile,
gentle and kind.

i am always seeking the root in you.
but i will remember that you will only give
what is asked not expected,
though you may need reminding
that you expect it in you
and you will give to the world. because some one loved you... and cared that you do...

the funny part,
you choose... 
you choose out of your desire to walk... or hide...
to wake... or die...
but it is you not i

i can only supply a soul kiss along the way...
and i am guilty ;)
of puckering up!!!

my friends get it now... they do it too. they see the benefit of extending their hands. they know that it is not about closing off the self to the chaos,
but embracing it and helping those who struggle against the wind
find an anchor so they can mend.
and in the end...
a smile, or hug, or exchange
of phone numbers with gentle words like
'i hope i see you again.'

that is the fruit.
not the flower
:)