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 one 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.
Fisherman 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.
– Pablo Neruda
—from Extravagaria (translated by Alastair Reid, pp. 27-29, 1974)
So exquisite – enlightening – inspiring and comforting
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Yes! You can never go wrong with Neruda.
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Imagine such a moment when the whole world could simultaneously be silent , doing nothing for may be just five minutes….and just send out positive energy !!!!!!!Wouldn’t that be huge?
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Huge!
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I sent this one on in the spirit of the holiday madness. Ssshhhhh. Every kind of artist who contemplates life chooses stillness.
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🙂
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This is very good – not what I expected. Thanks for sharing,
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Well, you can’t go wrong with Neruda. He has such grace born of talent and wisdom. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Pat. Unfortunately the collection it’s in is out of print, so had to get a used copy but it was worth it.
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