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Surrounded by Silence

Surrounded by Silence

A Poem by Chris Shaw
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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

© 2020 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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



Reviews

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

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you so much DM for your review. Sorry about your own hearing problems and that you find this.. read more
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!

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Hello Norma thank you so much for calling on this old poem. Much appreciated. Have a great day.
read more
This is a powerful poem, the perception of deaf well written empathitically. A classic poem. Good work 👍

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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

Chris
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.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Fallon. I have heard that should you lose one of your senses, the others can become more a.. read more
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 :-)))

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Dear Sil, thank you so much for your beautiful review. We really do not appreciate how precious our .. read more
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

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Julie. I do believe many of us take our hearing for granted. Without it, life would be ver.. read more
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!

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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

read more
Red Brick Keshner

1 Year Ago

Well enough to aim for a more stable routine. Thanks Chris.
Freds
Hmmm; a live without sound
Where you become locked
Inside in your thoughts

Very interesting, nice poem you got

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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

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

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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

Chris
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

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

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

1 Year Ago

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

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850 Views
50 Reviews
Rating
Shelved in 2 Libraries
Added on September 2, 2020
Last Updated on September 2, 2020

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



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