A storm rages outside

A storm rages outside
but inside
the heart is calm.
The sea’s waves are choppy and turbulent
but at its depth
all is an unmoving calm.
Leaves are violently shaken
from their trees,
winds stir them into a circling frenzy,
rain beats wildly against the window panes
but inside
the heart is calm.
Waves roll in every direction
pulling unsuspecting boats
this way and that

but at its depth
all is an unmoving calm.

The tree’s roots
are not disturbed by the shaking branches.
A mountain’s solidity
is not touched
by the passing seasons and
stormy weather that rattles
round its ears.
The sea’s depth
is not taken
with the rolling, unending
movement of the waves.

Why should my heart be shaken
by the movements of the mind?

Watch them come,
watch them go,
but don’t dance with them,
they are not your dancing partner.
Watch them come,
watch them go,
from a depth
that is unmoving calm.

© 27 Oct 2013