*
TOTAL LISTENING SILENCE
*
Someone who listens totally
knows that even a simple
clarification question
can disturb the
reflection
as water waves fragment
the sun’s image on a mirroring lake
*
-saiom shriver-
A woman I did not know and had never met before
stopped in the other day when no one else was in the store
She brought a book into the bookstore…that’s a little odd I thought
then she asked if I had read the book…I said that I had not.
She looked into my eyes, smiled and nodded her head.
then proceeded to ask me questions about the book I hadn’t read.
It really didn’t matter that I could not answer her whos or whats or whys
because once she asked the questions she didn’t wait for my replies.
She kept the conversation going without me about the book I hadn’t read
While I listened, smiled and every now and then politely nodded my head.
But in the midst of her barrage of words…as I listened to her speak
I heard amidst her chattering…that her sister died last week.
I almost missed them when they first floated by…
so I waited a moment
and then
as I listened more intently…
they floated by again.
She said she hadn’t been out much since her sister died and decided to take a walk
I imagine she was sad…and lonely…and just stopped in to talk.
So I kept right on listening and nodding and on my face I kept a smile
as she kept our one-sided conversation going for a while.
She thanked me as she left the store…you’re welcome was all I could say
wishing I could have done a little more to help push her sadness away.
And even though she did all the talking
and not one word had I said
It was the best conversation I’ve ever had
about a book I hadn’t read.
What is the purpose of beauty without creatures to charm?
How can the moon awake passions without the black sky of the night?
Where would swallows be going without a winter making them fly?
Why are you afraid of the darkness if you experienced the light?
We are born in pain, because it is pain what proves us alive.
We must master the fall before we learn how to walk.
We can only accomplish success if we experienced the fail.
You are worried, I see, use this friend’s ear, let’s talk.
I hope you believe me, my friend, your worries will pass.
You will endure the pain, you will soon understand.
It can’t be always the same, it can’t be back as it was.
But your night will be over, making place to a brighter dawn.
The phoenix has risen from ashes infinite times.
The flood of punishment passed for resurgence of life.
Our ancestors strove struggles to bequeath us some peace.
You can make the future brighter. Stand up! Do not abdicate!
Emotions are louder than words,
but are harder to hear,
because we dont listen with our ears,
but with our hearts.
*
TOTAL LISTENING SILENCE
*
Someone who listens totally
knows that even a simple
clarification question
can disturb the
reflection
as water waves fragment
the sun’s image on a mirroring lake
*
-saiom shriver-
A graveyard of dead trees
Fallen leaves of vast red and orange seas
Squirrels scurry before winter strikes
As children play while others pass on bikes
A harmony of the trees an the wind come together and sing
As a bird chirps then stops to clean it's wing
Children shrieking and screaming as they play
Angry armies of cars roar past, then fly away
Memories start of when I was a kid
Only broken away by time an what it did
Sitting still only in question
Of who I am and to what is my impression
I laughed . . . I played here
I was happy unknown of fear
But then reality again breaks memory's connection
Only to be lost again, still unknown of my reflection
THE EDGE OF FEAR
The world so different out here,
Living on the edge of fear,
With every sound the wind sings:
But when the sound disappears.
It reawakes my fears.
My breath I hold.
It becomes so cold.
So don’t look back.
It will give you a heart attack.
Or maybe a stab in your back.
Don’t listen for foot step,
Apart from your own.
The fear will hold you.
not even time to blink,
Do not think or you hart will sink.
Don’t listen for a sound that’s not their. Just be aware
To the other side of the veil is the reprieve,
To be seen only through a multifaceted sheen
Whose wisdom can only be perceived
By he who understands it's worth
Within the populous' array of dreams.
To walk alone in silent wonder, seeking,
Meek, in humble consent, harkening with clarity,
Not to awaken a misgiving or a calamity,
The veil once lifted, intrepidation and waiting cease,
The joiner exposed, understanding it's crosspiece.
6:07 PM 4/27/2013 ©
At least everyone must experience
a muted person,
to be left listening, not talking
and incessantly interrupting
the orchestra of Life's happenings.
-Ryan K. Fuller
Listening to them
chirp after three days of rain
soothing to the soul.
Copyright © Cynthia Jones
May.11/2012