life: larger than our plans

The net is set for the fish,
    But catches the swan in its mesh.
The praying mantis covets its prey,
    While the sparrow approaches from the rear.
Within one contrivance hides another;
Beyond one change, another is born.
Are wisdom and skill enough to put your hopes on?

From the book Master of the Three Ways, by Hung Ying-ming (1:148).

Just a reminder to myself that sometimes life is larger than our plans.