Keeping Quiet
Poem:
And 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 not look at
his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory 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.
Introduction
The poet talks about the necessity of quiet introspection as it can develop a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.
Theme
It is basically an anti-war poem. The poet is deeply concerned about violence, cruelty to animals and plight of manual workers. The poet offers a very simple solution to many of our social, political and religious problems. The solution is self introspection. If it is acted upon, it will be the first major step towards uniting people. The second step is that everyone should look within and analyse what is wrong and who is the wrong doer. This will cleanse every heart and ennoble all people.
Summary
This poem advocates the importance of silence and self-introspection. It can transform not only the life of an individual but also the face of the earth. The poet says that it does not need much time to look within and examine oneself. It will take only as long as it will take to count to twelve. During this time of introspection (self-examination), one should keep quiet and say nothing at all. It will give him a strange feeling of togetherness with all others.
Although it may seem a little strange in the beginning, it will eventually bring us all together. This silence will be free from the disturbing sounds of engines and people rushing to get their work done’ for some time. He feels contended imagining the change that will be brought about in those moments. The men who hurt their hands while collecting salt will get a little rest. Even the people who seek fresh wars, using fatal gas and weapons, will put on clean clothes and get a chance to walk among their brothers.They will lead a hatred-free and calm life, giving a halt to their destructive activities.
The poet clarifies that his wish should not be considered as a case for “total inactivity”. He only wants to interrupt the sad, cruel and baleful activities of the world for a few moments and make the people introspect their actions. In fact what he says is connected with life, not with death. Activity is very essence of life. Inactivity is death but for a fresh, better and useful activity, a little stillness is essential.
The poet uses the image of the earth to show how life exists in seemingly dormant things. In winter, the earth becomes so still and silent that it seems to be dead. But later in spring, it seems to be lively again. It has new beauties and colours added to it. Similarly, after a little quietness and silence, man can resume his activities in a fresh and better manner.
Main points
- The poem talks about the necessity of quiet introspection.
- It will help people to understand themselves & will create the feeling of mutual love & relationship.
- By quiet introspection, the poet doesn’t mean total inactivity, instead he wants full involvement with life.
- The reason for the discard & war is the imbalance between man & nature.
- Quiet introspection will establish a spiritual & physical union that is most desirable for the survival of the earth & of human beings.