in the gentleness
of morning birdsong
I am at peace

in the softness
of your silken fur
I am at peace

in the glow of recognition
in another’s eyes
I am at peace

in the scent of lilac
wafting through my open window
I am at peace

in the lift
of pelican wings from your shore
I am at peace

in the vibration
of the blues up through weathered floorboards
I am at peace

in the smell
of just one raindrop
I am at peace

in the curve of the canyons
from the back of the Harley
I am at peace

in the sound
of cards shuffling
I am at peace

in the memory
of your unconditional love
I am at peace

in the alighting
of a new poem onto my soul
I am at peace

in the smell
of baking bread
I am at peace

in being called
my childhood nickname
I am at peace

in the words of a well-loved book
reread for the umpteenth time
I am at peace

in the very first
rose blooming
I am at peace

in the opening
of a new book
I am at peace

in the look in your eyes
as you see me across the room
I am at peace

in the sound of your voice
when you call just to say hello
I am at peace

in the first step into the water
sand beneath my toes, waves luring me in
I am at peace

standing in the presence
of prodigious greatness
I am humbled, and at peace

in the warmth of folding
new-dried laundry
I am at peace

in the sound of the garage door
lifting to let you in
I am at peace

in that wheels-up moment
when I’m on my way to see you
I am at peace

when your hand is in mind
and I can’t tell where one ends and the other begins
I am at peace

when I hear a song
that resonates with me deeply
I am at peace

in the shade of a tree
sipping lemonade to cool off
I am at peace

when I hold a newborn baby
and marvel at their perfection
I am at peace

in the sound of laughter
from the other room as I drift to sleep
I am at peace

in the hug of a child
pureness personified
I am at peace

in the gloaming
when I see night’s first star
I am at peace

in the chorus of evening crickets
singing to each other, to me, to the world
I am at peace

in the light of the bonfire
with your stories warming my heart
I am at peace

in the dance of the fireflies
my soul dancing with them
I am at peace