Is it enough to turn from the world,
rejecting the styles and movements
of things that are but shadows
that we use to fill our homes,
adorn our bodies, replace our loves?
Silence descended on the dark, dissolving forms.
Is it enough to chasten the flesh,
curb appetites the world and hearts
rejoice and regale in loud laughter,
with expressions quizzically mad
and pleasures demanding attention?
Quiet contained the elusive ecstasies.
Is it enough to give glory to God
in presents and presence and praying and pretense,
deeds done for dinners and once-a-week greetings
with smiles so easily shared
and peace wishes given with gloves?
Stillness surrounded the smoke rising skyward.
Is it enough to cast down my heart,
to offer my ego in love’s holy flame;
to give back my soul — to say “Mine is Yours,
Yours is Yours” — a shade seen in Your light alone,
hanging akimbo mid heaven and earth?
Tranquility whispered, “It is enough.”
