I Found Peace Poem by Deepti Samant

I saw the riches of glittering folks
tootling leisurely around.
I saw the deep lustre of pearls
in the tones of ivory and brown.
But that's not where I found,
so peace all around.

I saw the inspiring awe
of the numinous religions.
I saw the temples, church and mosques
where lies the heavens.
I saw the holy scriptures
of the ancient divine towns.
But that's not where I found,
so peace all around.

I saw the flora of the Himalayas
in the lurid sunset with swaying trees.
I saw the bubbling rivers twisting around the tors,
the ebb and flow of the seas.
I saw the maple leaves turn red,
fluttering to the ground.
But that's not where I found,
so peace all around.

I saw the symphonic writing of the craftsman,
the purity of art.
I listened to the florid music of lyre,
the melodies of heart.
I saw sculptures carved from stones
as graceful as old.
But that's not where I found,
so peace all around.

After years of toil
I was getting nowhere.
While walking on a macadam road,
one day I reached a place.
What I found there
left a vivid impression on me.
Oh! how I wish
if you could also see.

I saw a place
where people are reduced to silence and despair.
I saw a place
where people are reduced to begging with tears.
They were toneless, lacking the spirits.
Dressed in tattered dowdy clothes, lived on streets.
I saw a slender hope still flickering in them
that one day a blessed soul will come and help them.
With little food, water and bed to sleep
that is all these poor people needs.

I found peace
when I saw a smile touch their eyes.
But not in the vicinity of riches and lies.
I found peace
when I saw them happy and merry.
But not in the preachings of a monastery.
I found peace
when I saw their children bounce with health.
but not in the nature's beauty and wealth.
I found peace
while sharing their sorrows and worries.
But not in luscious melodies.

Oh! I was such a tomfool
I realized.
Working for these people
is where peace lies.
I felt so relieved
that at last I found it.
Yes, I'll drink to that!
I found peace.