To write what is not Word
that is quiet that is still
that moves not
that fears not
that troubles not
stiller than still water
behold this is silence
the stillness of pine needles
the stillnes of bark
the stillnes of stone
that is without sound
that is without voice
that is without need
behold this is silence and full.
Stillness of bone
stillness of darkness
warm without terror
empty of thought
full of this space
airy, light, whisper,
no footfall on leaves
no footfall on gravel
no knock on the door
© Anne Le Marquand Hartigan
From Immortal Sins published by Salmon Poetry 2000