Keeping Quiet - Summary
Keeping Quiet is a renowned poem by Pablo Neruda, a celebrated poet, diplomat, and senator. His real name is Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, but he is famously known as Pablo Neruda.
In this powerful poem, Neruda emphasizes the importance of silence and peace in a world filled with conflict and arguments. He encourages us to pause and reflect, suggesting that true harmony can only be achieved when we take a moment to introspect.
Understanding the Message of Keeping Quiet
Neruda’s message revolves around the idea that in our busy lives, we often forget to just be. He invites us to stop talking and moving temporarily. This moment of stillness could create a space for understanding and connection among all of us.
Keeping Quiet Poem Lyrics in English
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.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would not look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victories with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about…
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.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
You can download the Keeping Quiet PDF by clicking on the following download button.
