The silence that fills
The peaceful forest
While the whoosh
Of the waterfall and the wind
Whistle in our ears-
Such sweet
Serenity.
The silence of
Nothing-to-say,
No longer sticky and awkward,
Sinking deep
Into the armchair
Of thought-
Slowly releasing
The burden of speech-pressure, free-
As though it were just me.
As though it were just you.
The affectionate silence.
Dialogue through eyes
And the sound of breathing.
Saying I love you
But wordless,
But deeper.
The silence of listening
And processing.
The thoughtful expression
And your mind, its slow-burning flame
Thoroughly engulfing-
Sensitively selecting
Its next words.
Grief-filled silence.
There is nothing to say
That expresses the pain
Of the loss.
There is only
Comfort of presence,
Of being able to say
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
****
Words have connotations,
Layers of meaning,
Carry feeling,
Silence, too-
A language in and of itself.
I have listened carefully
To the gaps:
In our conversation,
In the notes you play
On your guitar.
I found this poem so deeply relatable. I absolutely agree that the greatest sign of closeness with a person is when the silence is comfortable and natural; when the two can communicate through things as subtle as glances or music. Silence can really carry so many meanings, and its wonderful when you find someone sensitive and perceptive enough to be able to pick up on your thoughts without having to use actual words. I really like the term, "dialogue through eyes". This poem is so idyllic, that it made me wonder if its based on a true reality- if so, you are very fortunate. It's hard to find people like that in such a noisy, talkative world.
ReplyDelete(Random: did you ever read the book, "Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking"? I recommend it.)
I also like how you compared a mind to a "slow-burning flame". That's a good way to describe a deliberate and wise intellect. I'm not sure what I can suggest to change in this poem, because it seems so deeply personal and effectively conveys its message. I wasn't completely sure about what follows the "slow-burning flame", how it both engulfs and sensitively chooses words. The two don't seem compatible. In my mind, "engulfs" would mean that this person chooses to suppress or hold back certain words. Maybe you intended something else. But the overall impression is very clear, and artistically rendered, especially in the opening lines that describe how you share nature. If this is actually describing a relationship that you have, hold onto it! It's rare and wonderful.
Wow. I love this poem. You have managed to capture such deep and strongly-felt emotion in each and every one of your lines. I so agree with you, that many times silence, not saying anything, is more significant than any limited word could impart(definitely saying something, for you are so amazing with your own words!). My favorite verses: "The silence of
ReplyDeleteNothing-to-say,
No longer sticky and awkward,"
I really wouldn't change anything about this poem, yet just a thought: The first stanza anchors this beauty of silence moment in a specific moment- at a waterfall and listening to that- yet I'm wondering if it's needed?