Silent Teachers

A poem about the quiet company of the living world.

Photo by Mohamed Fsili on Unsplash

Silent Teachers 
Ash Kilback 

I first learned of silence from the lone crow
traveling across the blue air, listening to the wind
speak through its wings. 

Then, I learned of silence from the old pine
that stood like a noble guardian beneath
the crow as it passed.

Then, I learned of silence from the spider
sleeping inside the jewel of the web it spun
while the world was asleep.

Then, I learned of silence from the soil
that holds centuries of our suffering without
a sound. 

Then, I learned of silence from my body, 
how it opened like a field of dappled light
in the quiet company of each living mystery before me. 

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February’s Meadow: The Quiet Place Where Poems Speak

Our next Meadow is this Sunday, February 22nd from 10AM-11:30AM PST.

This month’s theme will be an exploration of silence — zen-teachings that speak to different forms of silence, how silence is experienced in the natural world, and how the practice of getting quiet can help us become the creative channel in which poems come through.

We’ll create space to be in silence together, read poems that speak about silence, and spend time writing from a themed prompt that invites us to get into that quiet place where poems speak.

The Meadow is offered to paid subscribers only. As a paid subscriber you receive:

• Access to every monthly Meadow, including recordings if you aren’t able to attend the live session

• A companion guide that includes reflections on the teachings we explore in each meadow, writing prompts, and a nature-based activity.

• An opportunity to have the poetry you write during the Meadow published on Poetry Outdoors.

The Quiet Place Where Poems Speak

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