There is peace to be had
Tranquility
In any given moment
I close my eyes
Breathe, consciously
And bring up an image
Of tranquility
A memory
A fantasy
A painting
A scene
Hold that in my mind
Breathing in
Breathing out
Clear my mind
Of all that is not
Tranquility
All that is not that image
I let unrest float away
On the gentle breeze
That is my breath
Breathing out
Breathing in
Tranquility
Soon the unrest is gone
The stress
And the anxiety
Whither down to nothing
I practiced this
Then after a time
I did not need the image
Just closed eyes and breath
I practiced that
Then after a time
I did not need the darkness
Only the breath
I practiced that
Then one day realized
Tranquility
Had become my way
As much a part of me
As a breath
As essential
As natural
An expression
Of my being
As it always was
Had I come
To have known
Myself
Pacific Coast Highway
Near Santa Cruz
California, United States of America
Taken during travels, 2009