Larry Tyler has written about the need for a getaway. A retreat where one can recharge the batteries and escape the whirlwind of daily life. Of course, his “cottage by the sea” can be anyplace. Perhaps a cabin in the woods, a sailboat, or even a tent.
But, not everyone can afford such luxuries, in fact, the large majority can’t. But it doesn’t have to be such a place, it can be a rock by a stream in a quiet part of a state park. It can even be a place in your house. The key is to ditch the phone, the computer, and other outside intrusions. Read a book, watch the clouds, think back on pleasant memories, get in touch with your soul, and dream about the future. It is, to a large degree, a state of mind. In any case, Larry’s article brought back to mind a poem that I wrote some years ago.
Tranquility
The sky is blue and gold and red,
as the sun slips into its nightly bed.
I watch as it quickly flees,
down and down behind the trees.
Birds and beasts have set to sleep,
a sleep of nature oh so deep.
The trees around me are at their best,
all fall colors as they go to rest.
No breath of air is moving now,
no wind or gusts to bend a bough.
The creek beside me does steady flow,
as the water goes where it must go.
The silence around me is so complete,
that I can hear my own heart beat.
The majesty of nature is all around,
and I lay back in the place I found.
–Ken Vincent
Do you have such a place? Do you have a state of mind that allows the full benefit of such a place?
Simple “Joy” at its best that is wrapped in a blessed peace at rest! You are definitely a fine wordsmith Ken with a poet’s heart.
Fascinating article and significant poetry.
I too follow Larry Tyler that is a source of inspiration with his stories.
Let me add an old saying about the ability to isolate oneself.
It’s easy, in the world, live in the opinion of the world; it is easy in solitude to live by ourselves; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect serenity independence of solitude.
Thank you Ken for such a introspective story and a beautiful poem. Thank you for the call out on my story. It is a good thing to write stories about our inner being. Success is truly about more than money. I love your story my friend. It seems as a group we are all writing more about life and that is a good thing.