one

when no one listens

to the quiet trees

when no one notices

the sun in the pool.

where no one feels

the first drop of rain

or sees the last star

or hails the first morning

of a giant world

where peace begins

and rages end:

one bird sits still

watching the work of God:

one turning leaf,

two falling blossoms,

ten circles upon the pond.

one cloud upon the hillside,

two shadows in the valley

and the light strikes home.

now dawn commands the capture

of the tallest fortune,

the surrender

of no less marvelous prize!

closer and clearer

than any wordy master,

thou inward Stranger

whom I have never seen,

deeper and cleaner

than the clamorous ocean,

seize up my silence

hold me in thy hand!

now act is waste

and suffering undone

laws become prodigals

limits are torn down

for envy has no property

and passion is none.

look, the vast light stands still

our cleanest light is one!

thomas merton