In a world filled with chaos, we often yearn for moments of tranquility.
To capture the essence of peace and offer solace in turbulent times, many turn to words and verses to express themselves.
Here are 10 enthralling poems that evoke a profound sense of calm and reflection, each one a unique exploration of what peace means to us.
Let’s get right to it!
My favorite poem about peace
#1 “Peace” by Edward Rowland Sill
’T is not in seeking,
’T is not in endless striving,
Thy quest is found:
Be still and listen;
Be still and drink the quiet
Of all around.
Not for thy crying,
Not for thy loud beseeching,
Will peace draw near:
Rest with palms folded;
Rest with thine eyelids fallen—
Lo! peace is here.
This poem resonates with me because it beautifully captures the essence of finding peace within stillness.
The lines remind us that true tranquility doesn’t come from constant striving or loud pleas, but from quiet reflection and being present in the moment.
9 more poems about peace
#2 “The White Peace” by Fiona MacLeod (William Sharp)
It lies not on the sunlit hill
Nor on the sunlit plain:
Nor ever on any running stream
Nor on the unclouded main—
But sometimes, through the Soul of Man,
Slow moving o’er his pain,
The moonlight of a perfect peace
Floods heart and brain.
#3 “Peace” by Sara Teasdale
Peace flows into me
As the tide to the pool by the shore;
It is mine forevermore,
It will not ebb like the sea.
I am the pool of blue
That worships the vivid sky;
My hopes were heaven-high,
They are all fulfilled in you.
I am the pool of gold
When sunset burns and dies,
You are my deepening skies;
Give me your stars to hold.
#4 “Peace.” by Jean Blewett
Unbroken peace, I ween, is sweeter far
Than reconciliation. Love’s red scar,
Though salved with kiss of penitence, and tears,
Remains, full oft, unhealed through all the years.
#5 “Chaotic Peace” by Caroline Dudley
I think of nothing—
My mind leaps from mountain to mountain,
The drifts upon calm water.
I hear nothing—
Only the waves and the winds,
Violent and caressing.
I feel nothing—
My blood runs under my skin
Like a forest-fire underground.
#6 “The Ghost” by Walter De La Mare
Peace in thy hands,
Peace in thine eyes,
Peace on thy brow;
Flower of a moment in the eternal hour,
Peace with me now.
Not a wave breaks,
Not a bird calls,
My heart, like a sea,
Silent after a storm that hath died,
Sleeps within me.
All the night’s dews,
All the world’s leaves,
All winter’s snow
Seem with their quiet to have stilled in life’s dream
All sorrowing now.
#7 “The Plains of Peace” by Olivia Ward Bush-Banks
Again my fancy takes its flight,
And soars away on thoughtful wing,
Again my soul thrills with delight,
And this the fancied theme, I sing,
From Earthly scenes awhile, I find release,
And dwell upon the restful Plains of Peace.
The Plains of Peace are passing fair,
Where naught disturbs and naught can harm,
I find no sorrow, woe or care,
These all are lost in perfect calm,
Bright are the joys, and pleasures never cease,
For those who dwell on the Plains of Peace.
No scorching sun or blighting storm,
No burning sand or desert drear,
No fell disease or wasting form,
To mar the glowing beauty here.
Decay and ruin ever must decrease,
Here on the fertile, healthful Plains of Peace.
What rare companionship I find,
What hours of social joy I spend,
What restfulness pervades my mind,
Communing with congenial friend.
True happiness seems ever to increase,
While dwelling here upon the Plains of Peace.
Ambitions too, are realized,
And that which I have sought on earth,
I find at last idealized,
My longings ripen into worth,
My fondest hopes no longer fear decease,
But bloom forth brightly on the Plains of Peace.
‘Tis by my fancy, yet ’tis true,
That somewhere having done with Earth,
We shall another course pursue,
According to our aim or worth,
Our souls from mortal things must find release,
And dwell immortal on the Plains of Peace.
#8 “Peace, Perfect Peace” by Edward Henry Bickersteth
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties press’d?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heaven’s perfect peace.
#9 “Peace Be Around Thee. (Scotch Air.)” by Thomas Moore
Peace be around thee, wherever thou rov’st;
May life be for thee one summer’s day,
And all that thou wishest and all that thou lov’st
Come smiling around thy sunny way!
If sorrow e’er this calm should break,
May even thy tears pass off so lightly,
Like spring-showers, they’ll only make
The smiles, that follow shine more brightly.
May Time who sheds his blight o’er all
And daily dooms some joy to death
O’er thee let years so gently fall,
They shall not crush one flower beneath.
As half in shade and half in sun
This world along its path advances.
May that side the sun’s upon
Be all that e’er shall meet thy glances!
#10 “I Many Times Thought Peace Had Come,” by Emily Elizabeth Dickinson
I many times thought peace had come,
When peace was far away;
As wrecked men deem they sight the land
At centre of the sea,
And struggle slacker, but to prove,
As hopelessly as I,
How many the fictitious shores
Before the harbor lie.