Surrounded by Silence

(captcha says fecal)

consider ..............

a life without sound

where you become locked

inside your own thoughts

caught in a world of silence

unable to hear the bark

of branches of a silver birch

as they creak under the weight

of a heavy green canopy

or the drone of honey bees 

as they hover over honeysuckle

tumbling from fretwork trellis

like a fountain in spring

nor would you hear the high

pitch whistle of a red kite as it

soars in flight in a bright blue

sky ready to swoop for a kill 

the thrum of an old engine

polished till gleaming as it

kick starts its way into a brand

new day would be unheard

as would the mellow voice

of a lover whispering sweet words

that you are loved beyond all

measure

hearing is a gift, a good friend

a treasure trove since there

are no guarantees that it will

remain unimpaired

Reviews

[Scatterbrain bookworm]

I really enjoyed reading this poem. It allowed me to appreciate my ability to hear a lot more and makes me wonder just how different and even difficult life without sound is for hearing impaired individuals. Thank you for allowing me to ponder on what life would be like without sound, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them.

[D. Mansfield]

Very nice poem, I have issues with my hearing that effect my mental health, so this was very relatable. Thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much DM for your review. Sorry about your own hearing problems and that you find this poem relatable. Must be difficult for you.

Chris

[NormaZ]

So much we take for granted. I love how your poem so elegantly describes the little things that we would not be able to hear, it makes me take notice!

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Norma thank you so much for calling on this old poem. Much appreciated. Have a great day.
read moreHello Norma thank you so much for calling on this old poem. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

This is a powerful poem, the perception of deaf well written empathitically. A classic poem. Good work 👍

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Arundass. Pleased you enjoyed the read. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[fallon]

The phrase “locked inside your own thoughts” was really impactful for me. I never thought of it that way. How lonely that could become.
My father recently lost his eyesight. Mind you, his hearing was already quite poor. I believe that his hearing may have improved since his vision is gone now, and I must say our conversations have never been so good. But these days he tells me about the breeze he felt or the temperature outside when he goes for his daily walks. I suppose touch is now his greatest connection to the world now.
Any way, enough about me….. this was a very thought provoking piece for me. I can almost hear the sounds you describe.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fallon. I have heard that should you lose one of your senses, the others can become more acute. Sorry to hear about your Dad’s sight. Great you are having interesting conversations though. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[Silmara McGarry]

Your amazing poem dearest Chris, contemplates the profound absence of sound, portraying a life where one is confined within their contemplations, isolated from the auditory richness of nature and human connection. It skillfully highlights the beauty lost in a world of silence, from the rustling of branches to the intimate whispers of love. The verses underscore the preciousness of hearing, labeling it as a cherished gift and a repository of invaluable experiences, all while acknowledging its inherent fragility. Truly a wonderful read!
I wish you a beautiful rest my fellow poetess :-)))

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sil, thank you so much for your beautiful review. We really do not appreciate how precious our senses are. The loss of hearing can be isolating for so many. Have a wonderful weekend my friend.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I love the sound of bees but these days they seem to be silent sad being exterminated slowly
I love your poem it’s so true the gift of hearing we take for granted

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie. I do believe many of us take our hearing for granted. Without it, life would be very isolating.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

The silence that can be borne and the silence that we cannot bear. How awful to be locked alone in one's thoughts. So let me hear and let us all share in the sounds of life and living!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Freds. Lovely to have a visit. Hope all is well in your world. All the best.

read moreThank you Freds. Lovely to have a visit. Hope all is well in your world. All the best.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

Well enough to aim for a more stable routine. Thanks Chris.
Freds

[Crosby Idasa]

Hmmm; a live without sound
Where you become locked
Inside in your thoughts

Very interesting, nice poem you got

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Crosby. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Andrew John]

A gift indeed! Nicely listed heard things, a herd of heard. Enjoyed reading this.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. I appreciate your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

I don't about silence I love this write because it remove the sounds of city but silence of nature wake you up this poem relaxes one in image one reads love how it comes together, thank you for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mauricio for sharing your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best.
read moreThank you Mauricio for sharing your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

thanks I will as long as you keep writing, lol.