short poems about silence

Silence can be a balm or a weapon. These short poems explore the different sides of silence and how it both comforts and wounds. We hope you enjoy them.

This short poem is about the last, silent moment before you learn something that changes your life.

the silence before the sound

the silence before the sound
is a quiet envelope between
the now and the after,
your last moment of unknowing
before the sowing
of whatever
whoever
wherever
comes next

This short poem is about the quiet, everyday love that can look more practical than passionate but is love all the same.

quiet love

quiet love
does not speak
its name
or frisk for
attention.
it pays bills
carries parcels
kisses cuts
weeds gardens
wipes up spills.

more often than not,
it collapses into bed,
too tired for
romance.

This short poem is about how silence can sometimes damage relationships.

silent knife

As light as air,
as hard as bone
the silent knife
carves the stone,
building the walls
that divide the home

This short poem is about all the silent things underpinning life on Earth.

quiet things

clouds
trees
flowers
fruit
air
rock
soil:
the silent
substance
of Earth

This poem is about the many prayers and wishes and hopes that never receive an answer.

conversation with the void

prayers
pleas
wishes
fall silently
into the void/

the universe
is tired

This poem is about how lovely a moment of silence can feel after a barrage of small talk.

the sound of no small talk

fluttering
dollops
of winged
nonsense
alight and
disperse,
making room
for quiet
thought

This short poem is about the many ways we say no without making a sound.

the silent no

a shake of the head
a turn of the shoulder
a lean to the side
a halting step back
a wide, frightened eye
a wordless gasp

a kick to the balls

This short poem is about the gentle, peaceful silence that may occur just after the children have fallen asleep.

shhh

childish chatter
melts into sighs,
sheets rustle,
lids flutter,
they’re finally
asleep

This poem is about the moment when life ends and something else begins.

silent passage

the last breath
floats to the stars,
a silent passage
into the light

This short poem is about how a few quiet moments can prevent impulsive decisions.

silence is beauty

silence is beauty
a gentle absence
that cools
the fevered mind

silence is hope
a quiet place
where thoughts
become dreams

silence is strength
a sweet breath
that fortifies
resolve

This short poem is about how women must hide their pain, lest they be seen as weak.

quiet bleeding

She bleeds quietly
into water,
onto porcelain,
and cleans
every last drop
so no one
will ever
know

This short poem is about the assumptions we make when someone is quiet.

quiet disguise

Silence is
the ultimate disguise.
It cloaks the truth
and muffles lies.
Close your mouth
and open your eyes
and everyone will think
you’re very wise.

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