The Cost of Peace

The Price of Stillness

Sitting 

silently 

staring 

at nothing 

in particular 

For a moment 

away 

no issues 

nothing pressing 

peace 

bliss  

Temporary serenity 

solitude 

like the single flame 

of a candle 

undisturbed 

by the wind 

Reality 

will return 

often abruptly 

never staying 

at bay 

for very long 

The reprieve—

the price 

of the stillness—

paid 

with gratitude 

choosing to forget

for a moment 

because sometimes 

the cost of peace 

is allowing ourselves 

not to carry everything 

at once 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

May 31, 2026