By Clay Brantley

What is this peace

Of which I am to write?

Is peace some feeling of being okay,

That everything will be all right

Even when that doesn’t seem to be true?

Is peace simply some hope

For a future time

When conflict and turmoil will cease

And we will be at peace?

If I could be a conflict-solver,

I could be a peace-maker.

Is peace those moments

When the churning and stirring

Of anxiety within me

Stops

And I can rest and breath?

Those moments

Never seem to last

Too long.

I know I yearn for peace.

I have a deep desire for peace

To be present in my life

And in the life of those around me

And in this world.

But there is so much disturbing of the peace

In me

Around me

And even through me.

This poem was written by Rev. Dr. Clay Brantley and originally published in House of Peace, a publication of Retreat House Spirituality Center.