XII Flamingo, Poem II, Keeping Quiet.

 

Flamingo

Poem – II

Keeping Quiet

Introduction

Pablo Neruda's thoughtful and introspective poem "Keeping Quiet" advocates for a period of worldwide reflection and silent. The poem, which is written in straightforward yet deep language, urges people to stop living their lives at the breakneck speed of the current world and join in a communal silence and calm. This purposeful pause is an invitation to ponder, better understand ourselves, and build a stronger bond with the Earth and each other rather than a symbol of death or inaction. Through this silent deed, Neruda imagines a future in which harmony and peace triumph over turmoil and devastation.

 

Theme

"Keeping Quiet" centers on the topic of reflection and the significant effects that stillness and silence can have on people and society at large. Neruda makes the argument that we frequently lose sight of what really counts in our relentless bustle and pursuit of advancement. We can experience a moment of clarity that promotes self-awareness, empathy, and a closer bond with nature by stopping and accepting quiet. The poem also discusses the need to end humanity's destructive cycles of violence and environmental awareness, as well as peace and environmental consciousness. In the end, "Keeping Quiet" is an appeal for a general awakening that exhorts us to achieve peace both inside and with the environment.

 

Explanation

The poem starts with the basic directive, "Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still." With this command to stop talking and just stand there for a moment, the poet establishes the mood for the entire poem. The poet hopes that by doing this, a singular and remarkable experience will be created, one in which all human divisions—language hurdles, interpersonal disputes, and personal differences—are temporarily set aside and a collective quiet occurs.

 

The second stanza uses an image of a world free of bloodshed and devastation to highlight the ideas of togetherness and peace. Fishermen would not hurt whales in this fictitious serene period, and warriors would lay down their weapons and choose a quiet place to live with their comrades. This vision fosters a sense of connectivity and compassion by symbolizing the desire for peace, empathy, and a greater understanding of one another.

 

Then, Neruda makes it clear that this request for quiet is not an appeal for total inaction. He acknowledges that living is about involvement and action, but he contends that we frequently undervalue the value of quiet and reflection in our unrelenting quest of advancement. We could learn something about ourselves and the world around us that we would otherwise miss in the daily craziness if we took a minute to be silent and still.

 

The poem also addresses the subject of mortality. We fail to face death and gain a complete understanding of ourselves because we are preoccupied with extending and maintaining our lives. The poet's description of a "huge silence" may act as an effective break from this never-ending state of melancholy and bewilderment, forcing us to face both the unknown and our anxieties.

 

Neruda suggests that even in what appears to be lifelessness, there is opportunity for rebirth and progress by using nature as a metaphorical teacher. Even in the depths of winter, life may surprisingly reappear and impart resilience and hope to us. This concept illustrates how life is cyclical and that there is always room for improvement, even in the midst of despair.

 

Neruda repeats the original directive in the final words, "Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go." He creates a deep sense of closeness and shared experience between the poet and the reader by repeating this instruction, inviting the reader to participate in this moment of silence.

 

In the end, "Keeping Quiet" asks us to stop, think, and develop empathy for other people and the environment. To get a deeper understanding of ourselves, one another, and our role in the cosmos, it inspires us to embrace stillness on the inside as much as the outside. By means of this reflection, we could discover fundamental truths about life and mankind, as well as a closer relationship to life.

 

 

Answer the questions

1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Ans: Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us achieve a moment of unity and stillness. The poet believes that by collectively pausing and staying quiet, we can momentarily transcend language barriers and personal differences, fostering a sense of togetherness and understanding among all people. This act of stillness creates an "exotic moment" without rush or noise, where humanity can experience a sudden strangeness and interconnectedness.

2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

Ans: No, the poet does not advocate total inactivity and death. While the poem encourages a moment of stillness and contemplation, it does not suggest a permanent state of inactivity. The poet acknowledges that life is about engagement and action, and he clarifies that the desire for silence and reflection is not a rejection of life but rather an opportunity to gain deeper insights and understanding.

3. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

Ans: The "sadness" that the poet refers to in the poem is the existential sadness that arises from a lack of self-understanding and a constant fear of mortality. This sadness is born out of our relentless pursuit of progress and constant motion without taking time to introspect, leading to a sense of disconnect from ourselves and others. The poet suggests that by pausing and contemplating, we might interrupt this sadness and gain a better understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

Ans:  The poet invokes the symbol of nature's cycles and the potential for life under apparent stillness. He suggests that even when everything seems dead or dormant, life can later emerge, reminding us of the resilience and hope that exist in the natural world. This symbol serves as a metaphorical teacher, emphasizing the possibility of renewal and positive change even in the face of challenges or difficult circumstances.

Value Based Questions

Q1: What value does the poem "Keeping Quiet" promote through the concept of counting up to twelve and staying still?

Ans: The poem promotes the value of unity and empathy through the act of collective stillness. By counting up to twelve and keeping quiet, the poet encourages people to transcend language barriers, conflicts, and personal differences, fostering a moment of togetherness and understanding. This value emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and shared experiences among humanity, promoting harmony and compassion in a world often divided by differences. Taking a moment to be still together can remind us of our shared humanity, promoting empathy and a sense of interconnectedness with one another.

Q2: What ethical value does the poet highlight by envisioning a moment when those who prepare wars and harm others choose to do nothing and walk with their brothers in peace?

Ans: The poet highlights the value of non-violence and peaceful coexistence through the imagery of those who prepare wars laying down their weapons and engaging in peaceful activities. This ethical value underlines the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue, understanding, and empathy rather than resorting to violence and aggression. By suggesting that even those involved in destructive actions can choose peace and inactivity, the poet advocates for the pursuit of solutions that do not cause harm to others and the recognition of our shared humanity. This value encourages us to embrace non-violence as a means of resolving conflicts and promoting harmony among individuals and nations.

Q3: What moral value does the poet urge us to reflect upon by mentioning the "sadness of never understanding ourselves"?

Ans: The poet urges us to reflect upon the value of self-awareness and introspection. The "sadness of never understanding ourselves" signifies the deep sense of unhappiness and disconnection that arises from not knowing who we truly are. The poet emphasizes the importance of taking time to contemplate our thoughts, emotions, and actions, seeking to understand our motivations and desires. This moral value encourages us to engage in self-reflection, as it enables personal growth and leads to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Understanding ourselves better also helps us to develop empathy and relate more effectively to others, fostering stronger and more genuine relationships.

Q4: What environmental value does the poet emphasize by envisioning a moment when fishermen refrain from harming whales and a man gathers salt with care for his hurt hands?

Ans: The poet emphasizes the value of environmental stewardship and respect for nature through the imagery of fishermen refraining from harming whales and a man being mindful of his hurt hands while gathering salt. This environmental value advocates for a more sustainable and compassionate relationship with the natural world. By suggesting that humans can choose to treat nature with care and consideration, the poet promotes the idea of living in harmony with the environment and its inhabitants. This value reminds us of the interconnectedness between human actions and the well-being of the planet and its ecosystems. It encourages us to be responsible stewards of the Earth, protecting its biodiversity and resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Q5: What spiritual value does the poet evoke by proposing a moment of profound silence and introspection to interrupt the "sadness of threatening ourselves with death"?

Ans: The poet evokes the value of spiritual introspection and confronting the existential fear of mortality. By suggesting that a moment of profound silence and introspection can interrupt the sadness associated with the constant fear of death, the poet encourages us to explore our spiritual dimensions and find meaning beyond the material aspects of life. This spiritual value promotes the quest for inner peace, understanding, and acceptance of our mortality, enabling us to live more authentically and purposefully. The poet reminds us that taking time for stillness and contemplation can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves, with others, and with the world, offering insights into the mysteries of existence and the nature of being.