The Opposite of Chaos

I used to chase stillness

like it was running from me.

Begged the world to quiet down,

but it kept humming—

kept buzzing,

kept whispering over me

like I didn’t matter.

I mistook noise for motion.

I mistook silence for fear.

I thought peace would arrive

loud and proud,

announced with open arms.

But instead,

it came like a breeze

through a window I forgot I’d opened.

Soft.

Certain.

Patient with me.

Some are afraid of silence.

I embrace it.

I like it more

than the old chaos.

Now,

I sip the morning slowly.

I let the sun find my face.

I don’t flinch at the pause in conversation.

I don't fear the quiet in my chest.

Peace didn't shout.

It waited.

And when I was ready,

it stayed.