“A Principle’s A Principle” [Sun Tzu series – chapter 8-1B]

“A thousand ways to skin a cat”
Speaks “Method”, but way more than that;
It says “Big picture”, “Principle” –
Lets “Don’t care how” be practical.

That’s why commanders in the field
Are put in charge – results they yield,
But they’re in charge of men (like Christ),
Blend principles with sound advice.

They bridge between the end-time goal,
And sitz im leben – on the whole
Can wait, back off, or hurry through
Bad places – do what’s best to do.

In chapter ten, he comes back here,
Attends to “Land”, where it’s quite clear
He must stand back, then make a choice;
For land itself augments one’s voice.

The chapter which then follows Ten
Returns once more – “Invasion”, then,
Is center of Commander’s thought –
“Land” factors into battle’s fought.

But here, the “Land” (examples five
Of nine all told) helps to arrive
At knowing when King’s principal
Is honored best by whimsical –

Approach to “Get ’er done by men”
(The ones the King was wont to send);
For knowing men, and knowing end –
Adjustments he must comprehend.

“I will make camp, but not here, King –
I might be dumb, but I must bring
The knowledge of my art to bear –
They’ll get no sleep, by sleeping there.

“I’ll do it – win – but not alone;
Will venture far from hearth and home;
But one plus one makes more than two –
I’ll synergize to honor you.

“Okay, I’m here, but not for long –
We’ll hasten through terrain that’s wrong
To long-abide in – solitude
Is bad on soldiers’ attitude.

“It’s tough, already! Let me think!
If I rush in while on the brink,
It might look good when starting out;
But strategy’s what I’m about.

“Okay there, chum, I’m finished – so,
Give your best shot, today I go
To meet my Maker, but I’ll take
You down as well – He’ll not forsake –

“His servant here, ’sides it ain’t done
’Till lady sings – she’s not begun;
So put ’em up, you lousy scum –
You’d best not gloat ’till battle’s won!”

So, even in disastrous day,
“Just to move the ball; it still in play”;
“Play into wings” – “Like Alamo”
Inspire the others ’fore you go.

Lord, as I ponder ages’ fight;
As we push onward into night;
I thank God for “Field Marshal, Christ”,
Who stands with us amidst the fight.

Thanks Lord for this.

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