A Winter’s Lesson ( in the style of Robert Frost )

I fed ChatGPT a prompt on the Taoist understanding of Winter and how it reflects the idea of STILLNESS as presented in Hexagram 52 ( MOUNTAIN ) of the I Ching and told it write a poem about it in the style of Robert Frost…

As winter spreads its quiet shroud,

The earth retreats beneath the cloud.

The trees draw inward to their core,

And life, though still, is so much more.

The mountain stands, a steadfast guide,

Unmoved by storms or time’s rough tide.

It whispers truths through winds that sing:

“Stillness prepares the world for spring.”

To walk the path reveals the way,

Through cycles vast, from night to day.

In winter’s hush, reflection blooms,

And silence fills the empty rooms.

We humans strive, we push, we fight,

Ignoring stillness, chasing light.

Yet winter calls to rest, restore—

To seek within, and not for more.

The I Ching’s wisdom gently speaks,

Of steadfast roots and mountain peaks.

The Mountain imparts:

“Be still and listen to your heart.”

No need for haste, no need to climb,

For mountains know their perfect time.

Through quiet patience, insight grows,

And inner peace, like water, flows.

In winter’s chill, a gift is found:

A space to pause, a world unbound.

To walk through snow with thought serene,

And trust in life’s unfolding scheme.

So honor winter’s sacred call,

Its silence holds the strength of all.

Prepare for spring, but cherish now—

The season’s gift, the mountain’s vow.