Thirty Minutes to Calm

I sought simple things,

Hunted beauty within reach:

Peace, tranquility, quiet.

In half an hour I pursued them,

Quested after small delights:

Pleasure, satisfaction, rest.

One by one I witnessed glory,
Discovered finery and splendor:
Mystery, form, life.

“Again I resume the long

lesson: how small a thing

can be pleasing, how little

in this hard world it takes

to satisfy the mind

and bring it to its rest.”

-Wendell Berry, Sabbaths