The Purpose of Silence

Silence—so embraceable are you!
It can neither sting nor soothe
It can neither be a poison or balm
It cannot be a curse or psalm
Cannot harm nor heal
Cannot numb or feel
It be only what our minds make of it
It be only what your imagination sculpts
Only what we assume
Only what we accept as true
All that have breath may utter lies
But silence rings no truth or false
No peace, no war
No clean, no gore. .  .

The purpose of silence, and other things too,
Is only what are minds make of it
What we believe of it
This be the purpose of Silence—it’s true
So what is the purpose
Of me, of he—of you?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013


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Date: 4/14/2013 2:40:00 PM
Also since we're on the topic of silence. One poet who I thought did the subject justice and really had some interesting thoughts, as well, is Aaron Guttery. You might like his poem The Sound of Silence...
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Date: 4/14/2013 2:34:00 PM
Such intriguing thoughts in this poem, Laura. Especially at the end when I looked myself in a new light? How do people view you in times of silence? Are you invisible to others simply because they don't see at the moment? I also like how you refrained from using big words. In this case simplicity is the stronger tool to get your message across...
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Date: 4/8/2013 5:48:00 PM
Wow, I love this! "All that have breath may utter lies / But silence rings no truth or false" - that line really resonates with me. You have crafted a really interesting poem full of cool ideas!
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Date: 4/8/2013 8:24:00 AM
Silence is a close friend of mine...great questions here. Deep stuff!
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Date: 4/7/2013 11:28:00 AM
This sure makes me ponder, Laura... because I have been wondering myself over the purpose of silence-- have even been trying to write a poem about it and it is so different from what you are saying here-- and your approach is refreshing to say the least. Thank you.
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Date: 4/7/2013 7:53:00 AM
Laura I love where you went with this, great words leaving a very profound question....David
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Date: 4/6/2013 7:24:00 AM
May you continue to illuminate! I think of these things when I go to a museum of Natural History. The shadow of this story is remarkable. Your words are woven with such skill.
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Date: 4/5/2013 11:56:00 PM
Our purpose is to erase our silence and let our voice heard.Very original take on re silence..Bravo.Tnks for stopping by my poetry ; )
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Date: 4/5/2013 10:35:00 PM
All you have said is 'Ever true"....so thanks.....
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