It Only Comes From Within

It Only Comes From Within

While sought eagerly,
mirage like, it vanishes as you approach,
only to move further beyond you.

It does not come from without, 
nothing that you have done,
rather it only wells up and warms and sates from within.

The end of the day-
Camped on the Canadian Shield of the Boundary Waters
overlooking the reach of Saginaw.

Or the closeness of Other Man Lake as
the fire crisps rise to mingle with the stars overhead under a full moon
while loon’s call.

The end of the day-
in a well worn chair in the great log room
before the flowing glow of coals,
as you recycle the memories of the day in silent quietness.

That time of day-
when the young children have been 
put to bed, given their glass of milk, 
prayers given and tucked in,
the driving rain sound drenching the metal roof above.

That time when you are aware
that a deep breath slowly taken in
cleanses and releases you from whatever there was.

Contentment, fullness,
only comes from within, welling up.
Contentment not with what you have done,
only with the acceptance of your wholeness, with all its richness.
The fullness of who you are, shed of vanity,
shed of desire, only who you are.

David Holmes
May 21, 2021
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Radice Avatar
May 22, 2021 at 4:36 AM
Your words paint pictures David. The atmosphere you have created is again wonderful. I can imagine a painting of a guy sitting next to a crackling fire at peace with himself staring and thinking. I love 'hearing' the rain on the roof as I can do here. Fulfilment, contentment yes but there's an air of mystery here too. Sometimes I read too much into things and misconceive - but that's OK as great poetry tends to bring that out in me. Cheers - Gary
Holmes Avatar
May 24, 2021 at 2:51 PM
Dear Gary, thank you for your comment and for sharing your thoughts. Your comments always make me think and try to improve the word imagery. David
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 12:20 PM
Hello David Holmes, I just read this lovely poem. I love this poem and i am pleased to be the first to comment on this poem. I am making this my fav. Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
May 25, 2021 at 3:13 PM
Hello Dave, i hope that you had a good day spent. I am glad that this made your day bright. Enjoy your evening my friend. Cheers!
Holmes Avatar
May 24, 2021 at 2:56 PM
Dear Darlene - thank you very much for your comment, it means a lot that you are making this one of your fav's. Enjoy your day as well - David
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