Now we will count to twelve  and we will all keep still for once on the face of the earth, let's not speak in any language, let's stop for a second,  and not move our arms so much.

It would be an exotic moment without rush,  without engines we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.

Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.

Those who  prepare green wars, wars with gas,  wars with fire,   victories with no  survivors,  would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade,  doing nothing.

What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.  Life is what it is about,   I want no truck with  death.

If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving,  and for once could do nothing,  perhaps a huge silence might interrupt  this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.

Perhaps the earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.

Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet    and I will go.

 

Via FaceBook  Wild Revolution  Deja Hu

 

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9 responses to “Keeping Quiet Pablo Neruda”

  1. Margery Avatar

    Thank you so much for posting Neruda’s poem today. Just exactly what I needed to hear amidst all the turmoil – personal and especially global. I’m sure I’ll speak it to myself often today and in the coming days.

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  2. deb Avatar
    deb

    Someone with a good idea.

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  3. maria Avatar
    maria

    are moving body leading by our thoughts

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  4. maria Avatar
    maria

    thanks for remind me on Neruda

    Like

  5. grace Forrest Avatar

    Maria…yes. He knew things. BeautyFull things, strong things, deep deep things and found the words to tell them

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  6. grace Forrest Avatar

    yes…i hold it to my body

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  7. CatherinE Avatar

    I forgot about this poem. It’s very healing. He’s a genius to be able to use words in this way, to write about keeping quiet.

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  8. grace Forrest Avatar

    yes…brillint use of
    words
    about no words. perfect

    Like

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