Writings

Pablo Neruda

Keeping Quiet

 

Now we will count to twelve

and we will all keep still.

 

For once on the face of the earth,

let’s not speak in any language,

let’s stop for a second,

and not move our arms so much.

 

It would be an exotic moment

without rush, without engines;

we would all be together

in a sudden strangeness…

 

If we were not so single-minded

about keeping our lives moving,

and for once could do nothing,

perhaps a huge silence

might interrupt this sadness

of never understanding ourselves

and of threatening ourselves

with death.

 

Perhaps the earth can teach us

as when everything seems dead in winter

and later proves to be alive.

 

Now I’ll count up to twelve

and you keep quiet and I will go.

 

~ Pablo Neruda, Extravagaria, translated by Alastair Reid

 

 

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