It whispers and begs and bids me come,
“I will be but a moment,” say I.
But a moment grows from one to two.
“Just a moment, a moment more,” say I.
Louder it grows as it pleads and cries,
But focused on my task am I.
Though I long to lay it aside and come,
I cannot. “Please wait, please wait,” say I.
‘Tis a fickle creature that asks me here,
And yet so devoted am I.
For when it calls, I answer and beg,
“Do not leave. Stay here, stay here,” plead I.
For once it is lost, ’twill not be regained.
Oh what a fool, what a fool, am I.
For I seized it not when it was mine.
“Come back, come back to me,” cry I.
Yet all is quiet and much too still,
For now it has left me alone.
When next it comes I will answer post-haste,
“But for now I wait, I wait,” say I.
It sneaks up on me sometimes. I’m just sitting silently, minding my own business, and it ambushes me from nowhere, a feeling of warm contentment. I know, that may not seem significant. So you’re content, you’re probably thinking. Good for you but what’s the big deal?
I’m not a naturally cheerful person. No, I’m not morose and depressed all the time either. I tend to be emotionally steady, I guess. I deal with things as they come. I manage disappointment like a pro and chart out new plans when fear threatens to strike. Happiness is usually the result of a great cup of coffee (preferably a white mocha or a caramel macchiato) or a fun day with my husband. (Can you say IKEA? Yeah, it’s my happy place.) (more…)
For me, there’s nothing quite as peaceful as a quiet spot under a tree, so when I see a place like that, I have to take a shot of it. I took this shot a couple years ago at a state park and a print of it hangs over my piano. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of peace, serenity, silence. This poem was inspired by the picture and was the focus of a book of photography and poetry that I created as a present for my family. Anyway, I thought I would share it, in case you need a moment of serenity as well.
Serenity
A moment of peace
afforded to me.
A moment of stillness,
a chance to be.
To sit in the coolness
and breathe the air.
To inhale the silence,
the sun to hear.
A respite of rest
for wanderers weary
to lay aside
the loads they carry.
This sanctuary,
perfect for me.
Stillness. Peace.
Serenity.
