peace begins where courage slows,
where restless rivers gently close,
where hearts unlearn the need to race
and silence finds a dwelling place.
before the hand can shape the deed,
before the tongue gives life to speed,
a quiet garden, soft and wide,
is blooming somewhere deep inside.
reaction sparks like summer fire,
quick to rise and climb up higher
yet wisdom is the patient rain
that cools the ash, that soothes the flame.
one sacred breath, a pause of light,
can turn a wrong to tender right
a moment held with mindful grace
can stitch torn edges into place.
let kindness be the hidden thread
through every thought unsaid, unread
let gentleness outshine the noise,
outlast the clash of clashing poise.
for peace is not a distant shore
nor something bargained for in war
it lives within the simple art
of choosing calm from the start.
and slowly then the world will bend,
as storm to stillness learns to tend
when hearts decide to lead the way,
even the loudest winds obey.