In Silence
Thomas Merton
Be still.
Listen to the stones of the wall.
Be silent, they try
to speak your
name.
Listen
to the living walls.
Who are you?
Who
are you? Whose
silence are you?
Who (be quiet)
are you (as these stones
are quiet). Do not
think of what you are
still less of
what you may one day be.
Rather
be what you are (but who?)
be the unthinkable one
you do not know.
O be still, while
you are still alive,
and all things live around you
speaking (I do not hear)
to your own being,
speaking by the unknown
that is in you and in themselves.
“I will try, like them
to be my own silence:
and this is difficult. The whole
world is secretly on fire. The stones
burn, even the stones they burn me.
How can a man be still or
listen to all things burning?
How can he dare to sit with them
when all their silence is on fire?”
3 comments:
Oooh, your yard looks just like ours - that's a great photo, by the way. And your poem is a perfect match for that austere image. I know you're up to your neck in more important things, but I wish on this snowy day I could read or hear some of your (always insightful) reflections on that Merton piece. It's a beautiful and challenging read. Thanks for taking the time to share it.
Beautiful photo Beth!
Beautiful poem too. I like that you didn't surround the 'silence' with words.
Hugs,
Michelle
I agree with Molly, the poem and the picture match perfectly.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!
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