You can not have a conversation and
avoid the necessity of a pause.
The silence takes the mouth under a hand
for whatever reason, some unfathomed cause.
Do not fear the silence after you speak;
it’s not a ragged void, or stony wall.
Accept the silent moments as they sneak
into your conversations when they shall.
Try to love this time for what it is.
Don’t spend it groping wildly in space.
It’s a moment for reflection, not a quiz,
and not a time to overlook in haste.
It might not have meaning, but it has might,
a poetry, a purpose, and a right.
by Raygan, 11th grade
(photo by Owen via flickr)
Lisa
A terrific sonnet….such maturity and wisdom from someone so young. Raygan should be proud of it.
sister AE
excellent!
It reminds me of my dad telling me that having twice as many ears as mouth, I should listen twice as much as talk.
pauline
The Writers in the Schools program certainly brings out the best in young writers. These lines are especially good – “Do not fear the silence after you speak;
it’s not a ragged void, or stony wall.”
Sweet Talking Guy..
“a poetry , a purpose and a right!”
Well said Raygan.
Linda Jacobs
Awesome last line! I like the rhyme if is and quiz!
SB
I am again astounded at the insight and craft displayed here.
tumblewords
Excellent!
annieelf
This deeply felt theme followed true from beginning to end. “…silence takes the mouth under the hand” is so vivid an image.