Thoughts on the meaning of silence.

Children sitting in the classroom
Hushed and silent, at teacher's request.
She wants to hear that pin drop
But rustles and sniffles,
followed by giggles, soon put that to rest.

A walk in the forest
Can seem to be silent
No traffic, no people, or anything like that.
But bird song and rustlings, trees sighing,
Their leaves rippled by breezes

Not silent at all, but, wait,
the bird song has stopped
No movement, it seems the forest is holding its' breath
The silence - so complete
Gives rise to fear and panic is near.

The silence after an earthquake
When the dust has settled
And the one trapped in the rubble
Strains to hear the sounds of rescue,
Men and dogs and machinery too.

For those in a collapsed mine below
Listening in the darkness
for the voices of workmates and friends,
Nothing to hear but the drip of water
and creaking of old timber.

No peace there, but fear and dread
of not being found until dead,
Thinking of loved ones, hoping to see,
Home and daylight, and family once more.
Silence - No, but still far too quiet.

The eye of the hurricane
is silent, they say.
How can that be
with winds howling around
and trying to destroy.

Relaxing with friends
in peaceful surroundings,
Log fire crackling,
Enjoying each presence
In quiet reflection.

Sitting alone in a quiet room
Nothing to hear but the ticking clock,
Silence - No, peaceful - maybe,
The clock creates loneliness
for the missing heartbeat.

The old stone built church
is quiet inside,
Peaceful and calming,
Inviting to prayer,
But silence is not there.

The peace of the morning
or quiet early evening,
Communing with God
On the bridge in the garden,
Hearing His voice in quiet reply.

Does silence exist?
Is it just thought in the mind?
Something we long for
In spirit and heart,
but never can find!?

Silence is golden -
or so they say,
But unless it's God given
In heart, spirit and mind,
Such peace you never will find.