Silence

By SM

A moment of silence for the frontline workers risking their lives and those we have lost to COVID-19

Silence!
Close your eyes, inhale the essence of fresh air
And picture yourself floating on a cloud that heals your heart –
Cleanses your soul

Silence!
Picture yourself dancing in the rain
Ecstatic of overcoming uncertainty

Silence!
Picture yourself in the wake of a thunderstorm –
Sun breaking, rainbow in the sky

Silence!
Feel yourself at the ocean’s shore
Listening to the screaming waves

Silence!
Feel yourself at the riverbank
Anticipating going for a swim

Silence!
Breathe for the ones we lost –
Let your heartbeat carry their legacies over the hills of the valley
Through strong winds and under the sky of their heavenly home

Silence!
Kisses to the mothers, hugs to the fathers –
Gone but never forgotten

Silence!
Exhale and breathe life back into the world

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57 Comments

  1. Joshua Redd on September 26, 2020 at 11:46 AM

    I have family members who are essential workers and I loved this piece.

    Thank you so much for it.

    • Adam Gaydos on October 9, 2020 at 10:26 AM

      This poem is very passionate about how it is worded. The author did a great job of conveying a restricting tone throughout the poem. The word, “Silence!” is used to describe all of the fun and memorable moments that were taken away due to the pandemic. This poem also gives regard to the ones we have lost. This poem is powerful in that stanza. I could feel the author’s anguish through their words. The feeling and emotions of this poem are incredible.

  2. Lisa Joan Reardon on September 26, 2020 at 7:31 PM

    This is beautiful and powerful. It helps for anyone in the myriad difficult situations life brings. I like the line “floating on a cloud that heals your heart – Cleanses your soul”. Thank you for remembering and honoring the frontline workers, so many of whom have died from COVID-19.

  3. Alec on September 29, 2020 at 6:23 PM

    SM I truly enjoyed reading your poem. This poem to me means that this world is crazy, fast, loud, and difficult. Because of that we need to remember to enjoy the silence, accept it and take a second to gather ourselves and try to relax. People often get so caught up in what is going on in the world around them that they never take a break for themself and relax. A lot of your poem uses senses to make the reader try to feel what is being described. Using senses are really good for getting people out of panic attacks, and anxiety attacks because it tries to make you feel something else than what you are feeling at that moment in time. I think this message of people needing to take time for themselves is very stong because taking care of yourself is very important to living a happy lifestyle. Thank you for sharing your poem.
    -Alec

  4. Kenya Lewis on September 29, 2020 at 6:44 PM

    In a weird way jobs that were overlooked seemed to become frontline due to covid. The world has changed and life as we know it will never be the same. Your writing makes me think about how much silence I’ve been in since COVID has started. Being stuck in a house has forced me to spend a lot of quiet time to myself to reflect, be thankful for the little things, and most of all remember that I am living. Keep writing and inspiring others!

  5. Steffy on September 29, 2020 at 7:26 PM

    Your poem is truly amazing. I first read it internally, but it was so good that I had to reread it aloud. Giving it a voice makes it even more powerful. I could feel so many emotions running through me. I could picture every single thing you wanted us to picture. At the last line, I actually exhaled and somehow I felt relieved. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for writing something so amazing.

  6. Abigail Cross on September 29, 2020 at 7:40 PM

    -SM,
    Wow. This poem has spectacular imagery; I could picture every line of the poem as I read it. I like that this poem exudes a message of hope, despite all the negative things that have happened as a result of this virus. I am sorry if this virus has affected you personally. Keep writing!

  7. HV on September 29, 2020 at 8:04 PM

    I love how positive this poem is despite everything going on in the world around us. Remembering to take imagine a happy place is so important.

  8. Kellyn on September 29, 2020 at 8:29 PM

    This poem uses beautiful nature imagery that is very comforting in these difficult times. I could see this poem being read at a vigil or remembrance ceremony and there is so much love in it.

  9. Emma on September 30, 2020 at 10:04 AM

    SM, this poem is so wonderful. You use such creative, descriptive language – I can’t help but to picture myself dancing in the rain, like you said. Thank you for sharing this, I hope you keep writing!

  10. Caity on October 2, 2020 at 10:07 AM

    SM,

    I closed my eyes after reading this and really let these words sink in. Silence is such an important but hard things to find at times; I hope you find silence and solace in your writing. I know I try to make time for silent reflection in my day to day life. I am sending prayers to all those that you have lost and wishing you well now. Your words are heard from here.

    Caity, Washington D.C.

  11. Maya Small on October 4, 2020 at 11:29 AM

    SM, this is such a beautiful poem! Your imagery is powerful and I really felt like I was experiencing everything you wrote. I especially love the lines, “inhale the essence of fresh air/And picture yourself floating on a cloud that heals your heart.” Despite being about such a difficult time in our lives, you are able to remind us of the beauty in our world, in nature, and I so appreciate that right now. Thank you for sharing this! Best, Maya

  12. Piper on October 5, 2020 at 12:45 PM

    I loved how calming this poem was. It was like I felt that moment of clarity when you’re standing before the ocean or a precipice like you wrote. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the complexity of silence. As an ambivert, I need to have moments of alone time and silence. But I’ve also realized silence can be harmful, too. Too much silence for one person makes you unused to social interaction, which I’ve struggled with since isolation. Silence in other situations like politics and social activism can also be harmful (unless it’s, say, a silent vigil like you started your poem with). It’s insane to me how complicated a simple concept like silemce can be.

  13. Maddie on October 6, 2020 at 12:41 PM

    SM, thank you for sharing this poem! Taking a few moments to follow along with your words has helped me feel calm and ready for the rest of my day. The effects of the pandemic negatively influence us all, but so much of the conversation about such effects is harsh and negative. It is important to find clarity and time for soothing reflection, and your poem helps to do that. I think every message like this one is valuable in creating a sense of unity these days, so I am grateful to have come across your message.

  14. Hayley A Bolar on October 6, 2020 at 10:32 PM

    SM, you made me want to be in all these places! with all the things that going on the world its important we are quite and to take in what’s around us.

  15. Ben M on October 8, 2020 at 11:04 PM

    This poem was very beautiful to me, being somebody who was forced to work during the initial pandemic. It is nice to be able to have a few seconds of silence. Reading this poem allowed me to feel every word that was written as if i was really feeling everything with my body and senses.

  16. Tess on October 9, 2020 at 11:10 AM

    SM,
    This poem is amazing. Your use of imagery felt comforting during these difficult times. I felt as though I could close my eyes and imagine myself dancing in the rain or standing by the ocean. I thank you for acknowledging essential workers as they have been through so much, and for remembering those that this world has lost due to COVID-19. This poem was very powerful an sent a beautiful message.
    Tess

  17. Joyce on October 9, 2020 at 1:46 PM

    Dear SM,

    This poem is absolutely wonderful. It is beautiful, serene, and melancholy, when you think about how it is a poem to honor frontline workers we’ve lost to COVID-19. Thank you for honoring these brave people. It is peaceful and intense at the same time, when you juxtapose (compare) rainbows and thunderstorms, riverbanks and floating clouds and the ocean’s screaming waves. I love your sentence “let your heartbeat carry their legacies over the hills of the valley… their heavenly home.” This imagery is simply beautiful. Reference to mothers and fathers is relatable for anyone who has lost a family member, in any situation, not just to COVID-19, and it humanizes these health professionals and essential workers that sometimes we think of as “other,” or different than us and our families. It is emotional but not only sad, it is uplifting somehow. Thank you for your talent and lovely words.

    Best wishes,
    Joyce

  18. V. B. on October 11, 2020 at 5:09 PM

    This is a very powerful poem. Whenever I read the word “silence,” I could feel my mind clear and prepare myself for the next image. I also like what you said about mothers and fathers who are gone but never forgotten. Very beautiful!

  19. Sierra on October 11, 2020 at 10:15 PM

    SM, the imagery you created in this poem was outstanding, I could definitely picture the ocean and the sounds of the waves. This poem really captures the peacefulness and serenity of silence.

  20. kassidilenae on October 13, 2020 at 9:19 AM

    SM,

    Thank you for sharing this poem with us. In a society that thrives on speed and business, we often forget to rest in silence at times. To appreciate what we take for granted and let ourselves feel emotion- both good and bad. in a time where many feel isolated, it is important to reflect and take a moment of silence. However, many are afraid of what they may stumble upon in that silence. Keep writing!

    KC

  21. Kennedi on October 13, 2020 at 10:47 PM

    This poem is very powerful. It is a good way to tell/show people that it is okay to take a moment and just breathe no talking, no watching, nothing. You did a very good job being descriptive about everything. Keep up the good work!

  22. N. B. on October 15, 2020 at 5:45 PM

    Thank you for writing this poem and dedicating a minute to recognize frontline workers during this pandemic. The repetition of the word “Silence!” at the beginning of each stanza really brought focus to the words following it, as it brought attention to the silence in the room I’m in right now. Then you made an appeal to our senses, asking us to depict calming situations, feeling the sun and water and kisses, and asking us to breathe. I found myself doing all of these things, heightening the effect of your poem. Ultimately, it is a beautiful, calming piece that pays respectful and artful tribute to frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  23. Dzina on October 18, 2020 at 4:33 PM

    Hi SM, I really enjoyed reading your work. Words of encouragement that you shared are much needed nowadays in these tough times the people are faced with. I really liked the final line of your poem, I think its very touching. Thank you for writing this beautiful poem. I hope you are well.
    Best, Dzina

  24. Dyemone on October 20, 2020 at 12:31 PM

    I love how the word silence gets powerful each and everytime you read it. This poem was very much needed during this time of need. I’m so thankful for the frontline workers who put their lives at risk just for the sake of ours. They are our true heros, that I admire very much. I hope that you continue writing in the future.

  25. Katrina on October 20, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    I really felt hope come through as I read this and hope is such an important thing right now.Thank you for using the power of your voice to uplift and bring peace.

  26. Jacob on October 20, 2020 at 7:19 PM

    This energy of this poem really speaks volumes to me in so many ways. It feels so powerful and loud and emotional, yet calming and reassuring. I can almost feel the imagery that you write in each line while still focusing on the messages of silence. It really reminds me of how “silence is deafening” in these hard times. Thank you for this poem.

  27. Eva on October 20, 2020 at 7:38 PM

    SM, this is a beautiful poem. This pandemic has stolen so many lives but we must keep on living. We must live so those that have passed did not lose their lives in vain. But it’s hard. It’s hard to find strength when the world seems to be falling apart. Your poem brings sense back into a senseless world, it forces rationality on those who can’t fathom the changes in our lives. Thank you. I hope you also find peace, as you have brought peace to your readers.

  28. Cameron on October 23, 2020 at 8:33 PM

    SM, I really appreciate this poem, thank you for writing it! Overall, I love how you are able to set up a scene then quickly bring us back to “Silence!” I think it is really very effective, and allows us to reflect and remember that during this time, we must take a step back and relax. Then, at the end, we see again another important reason for silence: to remember those we have lost. Silence, at times is very necessary, and I want to thank you for reminding us that! I hope I get to read more of your work!

  29. Anneliese on October 26, 2020 at 2:52 PM

    SM, I really enjoyed reading your poem. Your poem was so calming and reading it felt like a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed the part of your poem that said, “Breathe for the ones we lost – let your heartbeat carry their legacies over the hills of the valley through strong winds and under the sky of their heavenly home.” It is so important to never forget those who risked their lives for us and to keep them close to our hearts because that is where they deserve to be.

  30. T. on October 28, 2020 at 3:00 PM

    Hello SM,
    Thank you for your poem and the message it communicates. The use of repetition was very interesting. The imagery, the flow, the tone of the poem are all very apt for these times. We could all take a deep breath in these times. Thank you for reminding us of the little things in life and those that we have lost. Thank you.

  31. Ani on October 30, 2020 at 2:56 PM

    Your poem brought me some peace during this very stressful day. I love how you begin each stanza by using the word “silence”. It makes me silence my racing thoughts and everyone around me. It allows me to be focused on myself and live in the moment. Every scenario following “silence” is so beautiful and calming. Reading this poem rejuvenated me and I felt this wave of calmness. Thank you for creating this happy place through your words.

  32. JM on November 2, 2020 at 3:30 PM

    Dear SM,

    I really enjoyed reading this poem– your images of peaceful settings in the natural world are so calming. I also like the fact that the word silence is exclaimed– it’s a command to be quiet that is also very loud. This poem was really thought provoking for me as I thought about the different kinds of silence– the moments of silence we have out of respect for the dead which nonetheless stand as loud markers of their absence, and the silence that comes from suppression. You really got to the core of the good kind of silence here– the one that brings peace and reflection. Thanks for encouraging me and the rest of your audience to take a moment of peace during this time!

    Best,
    JM

  33. Logan on November 5, 2020 at 3:17 PM

    I love your poem, SM. My mother is actually a frontline worker for the COVID pandemic and has seen a lot of loss lately. I appreciate that you want to hold a moment of silence for them, it means a lot. That being said I really liked your poem’s structure, it was clever, and pleasing to read. I liked it, please keep writing things, whether it’s for the first responders or not.

  34. Martina Merrill on November 11, 2020 at 2:55 PM

    SM,
    Thank you for such a beautiful work of art. I have many family members that are essential workers and often fear for them. This was such a beautiful reflection of how to calm anxieties, pay tribute to those we have lost, and inspire hope. This work helps to lift the weights that the world can push down on people and brings a ray of light. Your words have a way of calming hearts and minds, continue to write, there is beauty in what you say.
    Best,
    M

  35. Adrian Kocinski on November 11, 2020 at 3:35 PM

    This piece is so powerful. I love the way you meld the command of silence with auditory imagery revealing a lot of complexity and conflict. You create a sort of space to breathe in this poem, and I think that’s beautiful.

  36. Hannah Cameron on November 18, 2020 at 11:40 AM

    I love this! It was so calming and imagining these sounds helped me to slow down in my life and remember that we just need to breathe in the good and breathe the bad out. This was a nice moment of silence for the front lines. Thank you!

  37. Jenny on November 18, 2020 at 8:29 PM

    Your poem is filled with strong imageries that it almost made me forget the story behind your poem. You did an excellent job writing this and I think it’s a great tribute to the frontline workers during this time.

  38. Erik Celis on November 19, 2020 at 10:47 PM

    The poem is very soothing to me. There is so much ruckus from covid and the presidential elections that you have to tune it out remember the good stuff. The life that covid takes should always be remembered and not just their death but also the happy memories of them living life.

  39. Belen Rodriguez on November 20, 2020 at 2:53 PM

    SM, This piece is compelling and real. It displays all the stages of sorrow and realizing the reality of our current state. We have not had time to grieve, to allow others to rest, there is so much commotion occurring in our world that silence is hard to find. The way you added exclamation points at the end of the “silence” portrays the need for peace and that silence is not always quiet. I like how you draw parallels of floating and being by bodies of water. In a sense, it feels like closure and letting go. The poem conveys how are society is very driven in moving on, rather than accepting fate and these moments. The language you used was wonderful; a moving poem. Thank you!

  40. Christine Shelton on November 20, 2020 at 6:07 PM

    This poem was so touching, especially during these difficult times. It’s amazing to see the beautiful words you’ve written, and I know front line workers will appreciate it. Additionally, I love your use of repetition, and how it really emphasizes the word “silence.” This creates wonderful imagery, and I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing this poem, it was very moving to read!

  41. AKB on December 4, 2020 at 12:44 PM

    I liked this poem a lot. Not many people take the time out to think about or thank those working on the front lines. Very important to acknowledge these individuals. Also good to think positive at a time like this so good job!

  42. Justin Lambert on December 5, 2020 at 2:05 PM

    I love this poem! It really reminded me of how much we tend to take these things for granted. Due to COVID-19, it feels like every aspect of life is up in the air. I have not had anyone I personally know succumb to the virus, but I am glad that you included the note.

  43. Keyana on December 8, 2020 at 10:45 AM

    This poem is really good! I like the descriptive language that you used throughout.

  44. Maggie on December 11, 2020 at 6:47 PM

    I loved the detail throughout this poem. I thought it did a really good job of leaving people with a positive outlook in our troubling times!

  45. Olivia on December 12, 2020 at 11:36 PM

    I believe that this poem can speak to a majority of the people who are struggling through tough times during this pandemic. These words can heal, inspire, and bring together people to support and comfort one another. The one thing we need in this word right now….is each other. Your poem has shined a light on the importance of taking time to be silent and take some time for yourself. Stay safe & continue to write!

  46. Anna Rowell on December 19, 2020 at 10:31 AM

    I absolutely love this piece! It is so important to look at the positives in times like these. It was relaxing being able to take a moment and picture these calming moments! Great job!

  47. Ziniya Shah on January 6, 2021 at 3:30 PM

    Hi SM,

    Thank you so much for sharing your poem; it was beautiful. I have family members who are on the frontline and are always worried for them. I love that your poem leaves readers feeling more hopeful and with a more positive perspective. Good job!

    -Ziniya Shah

  48. Allie on January 18, 2021 at 11:14 AM

    What a powerful read! I love how this is a love letter to frontline workers during this time. I can see you have a real eye for poetry! I love how you used nature themes as the basis for your poem. They clearly show the reader what you are trying to convey. Keep up the great work!

  49. Alivia on March 30, 2021 at 12:41 PM

    I love the creativity in this poem! Front line workers during this time, and all the time should be praised for everything they do! I appreciate the acknowledgement for them, and that this poem references so many positives in the negatives.

  50. Mason Anderson on April 3, 2021 at 4:30 PM

    SM,
    This poem was beautiful. I love the way you used “silence” before each stanza and instructing us what to do. The imagery you provided was really powerful. I feel like there is not enough discussion about the people we have lost due to this virus, I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts about it. Your word is very powerful. Thank you for sharing this

  51. Jay on April 28, 2021 at 8:51 PM

    Thank you for dedicating a poem to the frontline workers and those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. The frontline workers have been putting in endless hours to help protect the public throughout the pandemic. This poem felt very personal, which helps all readers visualize what you were writing. It was easy to picture myself in the scenarios you described line after line. I felt much calmer after reading this through. Your writing will continue to help others who come across it.

  52. Katie on May 3, 2021 at 3:51 PM

    SM,
    The moment of peace and solitude reading this poem brought me made my day better. I think your emphasis on silence and appreciating how those moments can make us feel is key to living our lives happy. Sometimes silence makes people uncomfortable and sometimes people like to talk to fill it. But being comfortable and happy in those moments of silence are truly beautiful moments that you capture so immensely well in your poem. I wish you all the peace and solitude in return for the moment of peace and solitude that you gave to me. Keep expressing your feelings in this way, because I am so sure that you’ve touched the hearts of so many.

  53. Sujith Joseph on August 2, 2021 at 7:49 PM

    “Breathe for the ones we lost –
    Let your heartbeat carry their legacies over the hills of the valley
    Through strong winds and under the sky of their heavenly home”…Loved it! Touching!

  54. Chynel on November 8, 2021 at 12:52 PM

    Such a beautiful poem! I’m sure this poem makes the hearts of all those who are working on the frontline full of appreciation. Thank you.

  55. Julia on November 18, 2021 at 1:18 PM

    Wow, this poem gave me chills. I loved this whole poem, because at first it made me happy to go back to relaxing times. Then towards the end you said “silence, breathe for the ones we have lost.” I think this is so powerful. The message that I understood was do these amazing things for those who cant–for those who we have lost. It is easy to take things as simple as a breath for granted, but this poem was a sweet reminder to be grateful for life and remember those who do not have it anymore. Thanks for sharing!

  56. Julia Bruffey on April 20, 2022 at 12:55 PM

    Wow, what an amazing poem full of imagery and thought of hope. I think it is great that a few lines of each stanza take a moment of light and goodness in the times of struggle that COVID has caused to people around the world. I also liked that at the end you addressed those that loved ones have lost and their memory that still lives. Thank you for sharing this.

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