Quietude

The quiet of the early morning

Before the break of dawn…

Glistening nighttime dew captures

Moonlight on the lawn.

The soundless darkness obfuscates…

Tranquility prevails…

Not a chirp is heard, for there

Are no nightingales.

Shadows on the moonlit sidewalk

Cast by the towering palm

Punctuate the serenity

Of the morning calm.

Although the silent inner voices

And noiseless thoughts don't cease,

The stillness fills one's being with

A soothing inner peace.

Taking full advantage of

The still dark morning hours,

Hungry snails quietly

Feast on garden flowers.

Shhh! If you listen intently

Before the snails depart,

You will hear the soft and rhythmic

Beating of your heart.

-by Bob B (11-4-19)