This Peace

Lulled into peaceful stupor by the whisper of waves-
rushing gently over smooth stones
resting calmly on the ocean floor.

This peace is rhythmic, cyclical, constant-
But is it certain?

Shoulder to shoulder, a solidified community-
These rocks-calmed by the transient waters settled over them
Are they truly peaceful?

As they huddle together under the gentle, continuous waters of the sea,
Do they wonder what it will be, ultimately,
that will shatter them-
Robbing them of tranquility, of wholeness?

Do they quiver when the shadows of the seals pass over them?
Tremble as tiny, grains of sand scrape against them?
Shudder as barnacles burrow into them?

Or do they simply sit in ceaseless silence-
In the now-
Embracing and accepting the peace, that, for the moment, surrounds them?

~Allison Isbell, 6/11/07
Posted with permission