PEACE

1/16/2025

Hello blog friends,

Earlier today, I visited poet David Bogomolny's blog site, in which he offers an invitation and a prompt for interested poets. The prompt is hope or renewal, and you can read the details by clicking on the link above.

I've spent much of my life seeking peace. That quest took me to Japan in 1972. I lived in a small home, much like the one below, for five years. My family and I sat and slept on the tatami mats. We did not have chairs or beds. It was a simple but beautiful life, and the environment itself prompted peace.

My poem focuses on finding peace.

Photo from Canva

Below are a few photos of our years in Japan. Two were taken in the countryside, and one is of Jes standing beside our garden.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend -- filled with sunshine and PEACE. ❤️

30 Comments

Daniel Antion link

1/17/2025 03:45:28

That must have been quite an experience for you and your family, Gwen. Your beautiful poem captures a desire that many of us hold.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 06:41:27

Thank you, Dan, it's a memorable experience. I learned a lot about life during those years.

John Howell link

1/17/2025 06:09:27

Such a look forward poem, Gwen. The anticipation of peace can be as soothing as the peace itself. It must have been a fascinating experience in Japan. My ex attended Waseda University in Shinjuku. Our lives were filled with the culture she brought back including visitors and art.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 06:43:38

I love the statement, "anticipation of peace can be as soothing as the peace itself." And like your former, I have some Japanese art that I love. Thank you for sharing as you have.

Priscilla Bettis link

1/17/2025 06:18:13

Peace is such a blessing. Thanks for sharing your poem and your pictures!

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 06:44:31

So true, Priscilla. Peace is a blessing - deeply needed worldwide right now.

Jan Sikes

1/17/2025 08:22:20

What a journey this life has been so far, Gwen. I can't imagine living in Japan, but what a wonderful experience. I had a similar experience living in an Ashram for several years. We slept on mats and rolled them up each morning before going into meditation. I learned so much about myself through those years. Thank you for sharing. Love the photos!

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 10:04:40

Thank you, Jan. I'm sure our experience was very similar. I frequented the Zen temples and learned to meditate there. The quiet still draws me.

D. Wallace Peach link

1/17/2025 08:30:55

That must have been a wonderful experience, Gwen. The photos only made me want to know more. Your poem is beautiful, as I knew it would be. It has a sense of serenity that I could feel in your words about living in Japan. <3

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 10:07:16

Thank you, Diana. It was a deeply transformative time. I studied Ikebana, Chanoyu, and practiced Zen meditation. It's no wonder that I gravitate to silence. 😊

Jacqui Murray link

1/17/2025 08:48:37

There's a lot of meaning in these lines. Nicely parsed, Gwen.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 10:08:08

Thank you, Jacqui. I'm so glad you like the poem.

D.L. Finn

1/17/2025 10:15:24

Beautiful words and pictures, Gwen :) sometimes peace is found in life's simple things. Xo

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 19:20:05

So, so true, Denise. Thank you for sharing this lovely insight. 😊

Timothy W. Dittmer link

1/17/2025 11:51:46

Your time in Japan must have been wonderful, Gwen. The photos are fantastic, and your poem is lovely.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 18:47:03

Thank you so much, Tim. It was a wonderful experience.

Thomas Wikman link

1/17/2025 15:11:21

So much can ruin our peace. Your experience in Japan sounds interesting. I tend to seek knowledge more than peace for better or for worse, but peace is indeed very important. You wrote a very beautiful poem.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 18:48:59

I share your interest in knowledge/truth, Thomas. Research is second nature for me. But in my younger years, I sought peace. Thank you so much.

Liz Gauffreau link

1/17/2025 16:03:14

Your peace poem speaks directly to me. Peace is very much on my mind these days. I'd like to think that peace is a gift I can give myself.

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 18:50:05

I suspect you are right, Liz. It's a gift we can give to ourselves -- often by letting go. Thank you so much.

Annette Aben

1/17/2025 16:47:16

Your life is a remarkable mosaic!

Gwen M. Plano

1/17/2025 18:51:51

Looking back over the years is a bit mindboggling. When you are in the middle of "things", you don't see the mosaic--only much later. ❤️

Sarah David link

1/17/2025 20:13:32

The beauty of peace! It sounds like your time in Japan was a wonderful experience and a special moment to share.

Gwen M. Plano

1/18/2025 12:45:52

It was a wonderful experience, Sarah. Thank you for your kind words.

Yvette M Calleiro link

1/18/2025 20:40:27

I love your poem, Gwen! Your pictures are wonderful! Peace is always worth seeking.

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Gwen M. Plano

1/19/2025 16:49:07

Thank you, dear Yvette. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. ❤️

ben Alexander link

1/19/2025 11:22:17

What a beautiful reflection and poem, Gwen! Your imagery of peace emerging from the darkness is profoundly moving—thank you for sharing this serene and hopeful piece. 🌟

~David

Gwen M. Plano

1/19/2025 16:48:29

Thank you so much, David. ❤️

Lesley link

1/20/2025 12:42:10

Beautiful 🙏

ben Alexander link

1/22/2025 00:32:30

hi, Gwen❣️

I just wanna let you know that this week's W3, hosted for the very first time by the lovely Tia Jain, is now live:

https://skepticskaddish.com/2025/01/22/w3-prompt-143-weave-written-weekly/

Enjoy 😁

Much love,
David

PEACE

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