The Quietest Victories

The gigantic tide rising in the distance

Announces its arrival with triumph and thunder,

Unnerves and daunts, evoking thoughts of plunder.

But observe it as it nears the shore, humble,

Reducing to a meek stream of froth that could crumble.

And yet, at its weakest, as I watch it retreat,

It steals the earth from right under my feet,

Making me lose my balance and calm,

As if declaring victory with a soft psalm.

Strength and courage defy pomp and glory,

They disguise themselves as resilience, unknown to many.

Calm and composure run deep and profound,

They have won many a battle without making a sound.

Taking my lessons from the wave, sprightly,

As it bids goodbye to join the ocean mighty,

I left the sands today with a lighter heart,

Pleased in my defeat as I gathered life's valuable art.