A Chinese Blessing

I wish for you, Friend,

The finest thing

That I can wish for you -

Not health, nor wealth,

nor luck, but just

A spirit of bamboo.

Bend with the wind

And thus survive,

Though storms may flatten you.

Weep not at fate,

But spring erect

As bamboo thickets do.

Though knives of hate

May  cut away

your hopes of  dreams come true,

From roots of faith

Put out your shoots

And grow your dreams anew.

Wealth may be lost,

And health may fade,

Yet you’ll be wise and true

If you bend

And you can grow

With spirit of bamboo!

-Author unknown