In The Quiet Crucible of Despair...

The quilted silence

refused to be pulled back

covering the room

with the cold stillness

of an abandoned rundown clock.

Yet time keeps its appointments

well into the hushed hours.

Sleep is forced to seize

the lingering tranquil void.

Coiled in dreams of dreams

the aching heart screams out

seeking understanding.  But

the mind turns a deaf ear.

Deep within the soul

the calm wind of hope

eavesdrop on the quiet scene

and silently begin to stir.

A quiet voice whispers:

‘Faith tested is faith

strengthened; like muscle,

it becomes firmer.

The mind relaxes; the spirit smiles;

the silent pain takes a snail’s pace.

Peace—perfect peace abides.