As Silent as a Stone

by John Herlihy

Nothing as silent as a stone,

Yet stones in unison speak.

Nothing as brittle as a bone,

Their muteness never meek.

Nothing as silent as eyes,

Yet stark message they convey.

As only a poem can devise,

As moonlight sweeping the bay.

Nothing as silent as poems,

That sit quietly on a page.

The world’s sentinel totems,

Soldiers a mighty war to wage.

Nothing as silent as the night,

Yet with so much feeling to offer.

Dark despair flecked with starlight,

Indeed, the silence heard as a prayer.

Nothing as silent as a secret,

Whose content should never be told.

The secret as treasured secret,

Never as treacherous betrayal to unfold.

Nothing as silent as a promise,

An empty cup waiting  to be filled.

A promised action to serve as solace,

So anxious hearts may be stilled.

Nothing as silent as winter snow,

Descending into a heart at peace.

Ever in silence winter winds blow,

Creating snow sculptures without cease.

Nothing as silent as twilight,

The fading day to night surrenders.

Ebony darkness banishes the light,

The silent dawn patiently remembers.

Nothing as silent as total absence,

Not a hush, a breath, a sigh.

Absence with its hint of presence,

Never into our consciousness to pry.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Tuesday 22`April 2025