When I was young and capricious

I sought only the thrills along the way,

I had no need of a quiet place,

new-found pleasures ruled the day.

As I grew older, the pull of adventures

lost their power to enthrall,

the need of a quiet place gathered close

...and awaited my call.

Then the years brought marraige and children

and life spewed in all directions,

I was still unknowing of the quiet place

and its offer of calm reflections.

The passage of time rendered controversies

that threatened my balance of endurance,

when by chance I fell into the quiet place

...its solitude offered me assurance.

Life still has days of disenchantment

though I tackle hurdles with relative ease,

just steps away, I know my quiet place

is there with a comforting appease.

It's constant, it's free, an oasis from copious dilemmas

and in its hushed embrace of solace,

troubles become mere tremors

...in my quiet place.

Elizabeth Towles Sept. 9th, 2016