KEEPING QUIET
by Pablo Neruda
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 stay quiet and I will go.
____________________________
Solitude. Acrylic and mixed media on panel. 20×16 in. 50×41 cm.
Instagram: @johnclinock
Portfolio: johnclinockart.com
Such s beautiful poem, my friend… and if solitude is that flower in your painting i’d love to be it! 🙏
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Your wish is my command. From now on this lotus will be named Marina 🙂
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Awwwww…….. but it’s such a beautiful place to live in! 🙂
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wonderful new piece Daddio! One of my faves! And what a beautiful poem for these quiet days. Thank you
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Finding you here made my day Sam. It means a lot. 🙂 ❤
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I’m almost feeling like this painting and this poem are too good for each other… wow. Beautifully described, on both sides. ☯️
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It’s a fine cosmic balance */;
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Love the painting John. It has a soft feel to it that goes with the flower ‘revelation.’
Beautiful pairing with the poem.
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