September 2017

Not-Silence

It is quiet there in the great oak tree by the brook, in the fields – and why shouldn’t it be? For it is morning – Dawn No sound comes to my ears but there is no such thing as silence. So I listen and I try to make out the not-silence. So I listen, and then I hear – the quiet whisper of the leaves in the great oak tree murmuring to the awakening world: Stand strong and steady, strong and steady – like the oak tree itself. I hear – the gentle tumbling of the brook over beyond that stretch of field the clear waters leaping and gurgling as they chortle: Fill with life, spirit, and love, life, spirit, and love – like the vibrant brook itself. I hear – the soft rustle of the tall, swaying grass in the wind. Breathing: Gentle and peaceful, gentle and peaceful – like the quiet grass itself. I hear – the faint calls of the birds warbling in the trees to the wan morning: Wake up! Wake up! and hear our song – their clear, silver voices rising to the sky in unified harmony. And I hear – the deep, golden sound of bells rolling low and unwavering over the rippling fields: Come, and start, this morning’s work – for there is much to do today! – and I slide from the leafy grasp of the oak but I know I will come back tomorrow – to listen to the rippling life of the world. Kate Choi, 12Seoul, South Korea

Satyrs

Satyrs, Photo by Lara Katz Lara Katz, 14Weston, CT