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.
Fishermen 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,
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. --Pablo Neruda
Keeping Quiet
Related Articles
Quote Bulletin
Search by keyword:
Happiness,
Wisdom,
Work,
Science,
Technology,
Meditation,
Joy,
Love,
Success,
Education,
Relationships,
Life
Contribute To
No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.
George Burns
Search by keyword:
Happiness,
Wisdom,
Work,
Science,
Technology,
Meditation,
Joy,
Love,
Success,
Education,
Relationships,
Life
Upcoming Stories
Subscribe to DailyGood
We've sent daily emails for over 16 years, without any ads. Join a community of 245,303 by entering your email below.
- Email:
Trending DailyGoods
Jan 21:
Amanda Gorman: The Miracle of Morning (6,350 reads)
Jan 8:
Processing What Happened at the US Capitol (5,045 reads)
Jan 11:
Matthew Fox: How Important is Truth? (4,875 reads)
Feb 6:
9 Rules for the Woke Birdwatcher (4,838 reads)
Jan 28:
For the Sake of One We Love and Are Losing: A Meditative Poem (8,460 reads)
DailyGood is a portal that shares inspiring quotes and news stories that focus on the "good" we can find in our world daily along with a simple action to continue that goodness. Since 1999, it has delivered positive news to subscriber inboxes for free by volunteers every day.
