a peaceful stillness
     has taken up residence
          in my heart

old habits
     and turbulent outbursts
          can still be found
               in the shadows
occasionally
     disrupting the calm

but lately
     they seem to be
          losing their power 

this new roommate
     can be quietly persuasive

these days
     I mostly save drama
          for the theater

at least most of the time
     I think this new life
          seems to suit me 

I’ll keep you posted 

– Roger Lynn
  July 4, 2024