The Whirlwind

My beloved,
when a whirlwind takes house and food and all
up into the sky,
if you only stand apart, even a short way off,
that fearsome, dreadful whirlwind
will not sweep you up,
and everything that rises with the wind
you can watch calmly,
and deal with that situation
with a cool head.
Always keep a peaceful heart,
and do not be swept up in the whirlwinds of the world.
One step removed,
seeing the world and dealing with it—
that is the wisdom you must live by.