"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence." br br A gentle voice speaks out to us across the span of many years br Softly saying things we need to hear br It tries to give us calm and steady thoughts br But we are caught up in the noise and haste and fear br br All around humanity seems turned about br As though no level heads can now prevail br The jumping, raucous, nervous moves go on br The quest for peace seems to no avail br br Heed the tempo of the times and feel the world's fast pulse br Then ask yourself, "Has all the world turned sour? br Has life become a meaningless and hopeless race br Where greed and selfish attitudes are power?" br br Breathe deeply now and draw thoughts from within br Remember that you have a heart and soul br Let calm and reason guide each steady thought br You're not alone, Millions now reach out for better goals br br In searching for a place where nature shows br Its peaceful beauty so comforting to eye and mind br I found a place so gentle and serene br Where now the nerves slow down with thoughts of other kind br br I heard the water lapping to the shore br And saw majestic trees with shades of green br Water lilies, ducks and geese, are works of nature's own br Being framed within a timeless and softening scenebr br William R.