... I've come to talk with you again" (The Sound of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel)

It was 3:15 this morning when, unable to sleep, I wandered out onto my porch. I stepped tentatively, making sure the cat wasn't underfoot in the darkness, then sat in my wicker chair. I stared out into the night through the open sliding window on the door, and began floating on the current of my thoughts. A short time later I suddenly became aware of it, its sound taking me by surprise --

complete and utter silence.

No breeze was stirring, no cars were rumbling; no lonely train whistle blowing, nor even a single dog barking in the distance ..... only the quiet of darkness which hides in the deepest corners of the night. It wasn't long before my thoughts, almost reverently, followed suit and quieted. I have never before experienced such silence. It was as if everything and everyone had disappeared, and all that was left was the earth ... and me. I was free. Free to just be ... to just breathe ... an integral part of the universe.

I went to bed when the first yawn of a waking sun began to lighten the eastern horizon, and with the dawn came the wind. The silence was broken. But for that short moment in time -- a moment which was safe and profound -- I felt peace.

Beautifully put - words worthy of the silence

Thoughtfully shared by: John at June 7, 2003 07:55 PM

You embraced the magic of silence beautifully, Leigh! The dancing has begun hon! Silence is the music of serenity. Not only have you heard the music of your soul; you have just transcended to the Higher Self, my friend! :)))
Well Done, "oh wise one."

Thoughtfully shared by: Debbie at June 7, 2003 09:02 PM

silence is something that is greatly appreciated around here. however, that is because we never get any! perhaps i will wake in the middle of night, like you, and try to find mine! have a great sunday, leigh.

Thoughtfully shared by: nicole at June 8, 2003 09:15 AM

that's the times that I do my best work... whether it be writing or praying or crocheting... it comes much easier in the silence and calm of that early morning/late night time.

Thoughtfully shared by: Beverly at June 8, 2003 10:56 AM

I cherish the "silence", for it is there that I can go anywhere...or...nowhere, whichever I choose!

Thoughtfully shared by: amit at June 8, 2003 09:31 PM

that was beautiful, Leigh.... i'm glad you had a moment of peace. :)

Thoughtfully shared by: Alex at June 8, 2003 09:44 PM

i wish i could have a moment of peace like that, it sounds so wonderful, please tell me how you put your mind in that state of peace.

Thoughtfully shared by: kay at September 10, 2003 01:21 AM

kay, it was the silence which put me in that state of peace. Sometimes we just have to stop and listen ... to nothing, letting the beauty and enormity of nature and all it encompasses carry us away. That is where you will find that kind of peace.

Good luck and God bless. :)

Thoughtfully shared by: Leigh at September 10, 2003 09:22 AM

You've managed to put into words what many of us long for on a daily basis and yet, you demonstrate to us that it's not hard to find at all. It just requires opening your eyes and seeing that it's always within arm's reach...we just have to recognize it. Thank you for that great moment of insight.

Thoughtfully shared by: Armando Martinez at January 22, 2004 08:38 AM