By Marcus  Argentarius (20bc-30ad)
Translated by Fleur Adcock

“Love is not just a function of the eyes.
Beautiful objects will, of course, inspire
Possessive urges – you need not despise
Your taste. But when insatiable desire
Inflames you for a girl who’s out of fashion,
Lacking in glamour – plain, in fact – that fire
Is genuine; that’s the authentic passion.
Beauty,though, any critic can admire.”

“Embracing Tao, you become embraced.
Supple, breathing gently, you become reborn.
Clearing your vision, you become clear.
Nurturing your beloved, you become impartial.
Opening your heart, you become accepted.
Accepting the World, you embrace Tao.

Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
Controlling without authority,
This is love.”

— Lao Tzu (Tao te Ching — Peter Merel’s Interpolation)

Can’t really sleep tonight, so I figure I’ll jot down some late-night thoughts and share a song. A song which brings out thoughts that are often hidden away beneath the surface. Indeed, I have found certain songs from this artist to cause great periods of reflection and contemplation.

Video: Love You to Death by Type O Negative

In her place one hundred candles burning – as salty sweat drips
from her breast
her hips move and i can feel what they’re saying – swaying
they say the beast inside of me is gonna get ya – get ya get –
yeah

Black lipstick stains – her glass of red wine – i am your servant
may i light your cigarette
those lips smooth yeah i can feel what you’re saying – praying
they say the beast inside of me is gonna get ya – get ya get –
yeah Read the rest of this entry »