i find quiet in

quiet is the hardest to find. it is the most stark in the midst of chaos. 

i find quiet in the silences during a meal with snow, where there isn't a need for words, just a mutual understanding of the present circumstance, a simply being with one another and having this meal together. 

i find quiet in the walk home after TA-ing my last class for the semester - a sense of emptiness at the end of yet another session of classes, yet contentment and relief in the excitement and anticipation of middle schoolers curating their final exhibition.

i find quiet in the morning, when i awake, but it's not time to get up yet. i close my eyes again, fully conscious: the peace before the shitstorm that is the rest of the day.

i find quiet hanging out in the studio with ciel, both drenched from running through the rain, but content with snacks and sheer hard work.

i find quiet in catching up with liv, chatting across states - it felt like we were in the same room again. technology is a weird thing.

i find quiet in packing up after teaching a class - when students leave, and it's just me and their artworks, and a little bit of mess. i breathe. one more class to go.

i find quiet in listening to my roommates have a conversation, while i sit in silence, so very thankful for their presence even in the moments where i am unable to actively participate in a conversation.

i find quiet in riding the train home with 5 of my dear friends who have loved me so well and have been there from the very beginning.

i find quiet watching a dance/performance piece with alexa at the mca on a rainy saturday afternoon.

i find quiet in drives, and coffee hangouts, and meme exchanges with clare and shelby.

i find quiet in conversations with caro, usually, most of the time, at hot woks.

i find quiet in catching up with my sister a little over text, in receiving photos from dad and mum telling me about what they have been up to. 

quiet finds me in the moments i least expect. quiet is always welcomed,