I have misplaced my courageous spot,

Somewhere between here and the ground rumbling.

Peace has long since fled these confined and ever worsening conditions,

How much longer will the days last?

Wherewith has my gumption gone to,

As I lose sight of this chosen path?

My life has lead into a ravine if darkness,

Where it seems all Hope fades.

And now I crawl upon mortal knees,

Blind to all that once propelled me onward.

As a beggar in tatters do I now crawl,

Insignificant as the dust.

Let me lick my wounds and dream of solace,

I once had among the waking sun.

For now I sit and wait until the world comes undone.

As I lay down my head to weep,

A faint breeze brings the smell of water.

Sparks of hope illuminate this weakened spirit,

I began to drag myself forward.

My spirit burns a little brighter as a coolness touches my skin,

Some how healing the flesh within me.

I feel soft touches from all around,

And realize leaves gently caress me.

My hands find water so refreshing,

I cry at the beauty of this find.

So I feel my soul rekindled,

And stand amongst the hidden life.

Darkness still encases my body,

But I feel the burning with in.

Hope lies strong with in my grasp and I begin the upwards climb.

And at long, upon a winding path I feel the open air of freedom,

With this smell I realize something has covered my eyes that I cannot see.

So I brush this dust of dread from my vision now hungry to consume,

And see before a widen open world and fall upon grass so green.

Mother Earth cradles my worn out frame and murmurs peace into my ear,

“Alone you’re not for I was with you always within the dark.”

“I know your fears and darkest secrets and will always bear you up,

“You are my child and will never forget you from begin to end of your wearisome road.”

Rest now takes me to peaceful sleep,

And I realize I am home.

---

Author’s note: In times of tribulation and facing the unknown, I often find peace while walking out among the simplicity of nature. It is one of the greatest sources of my inspiration and peace. I hope that each of us can view the nature around us and center ourselves within tumult and chaos. As one of my favorite authors, James Gurney, once wrote, “Breathe deep, find peace.” So do I wish this upon you dear reader. Take a moment to find nature; breathe in her peace.

---

Michael is a husband, father, writer, poet, and aspiring author. He finds time to scribble down his thoughts in the dead of night, between ghosts and night owls. If you’d like to read more of his poetry follow the link here. Or to visit his full blog, ‘The Ink Owl’ click here.