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Silence is often considered an absence of sound, but it is much more than that.
It can calm our minds, inspire creativity, and connect us with our inner selves.
As the philosopher, Martin Heidegger once said, “Silence is the stillness of the world,” and it is in that stillness that we can find clarity and perspective.
In this collection of poems about silence, we explore how poets have expressed the power and beauty of silence.
From the peacefulness of a quiet forest to the emptiness of a deserted city, these silence poems offer a profound reflection on the role of silence in our lives.
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Famous Poems about Silence
Famous silence poems reflect on the many ways in which stillness shapes our lives. These poems offer a unique perspective on the beauty and intricacy of silence and its role in our daily existence.
1. The Snowfall is So Silent
by Miguel de Unamuno
The snowfall is so silent,
so slow,
bit by bit, with delicacy,
it settles down on the earth
and covers over the fields.
The silent snow comes down
white and weightless;
snowfall makes no noise,
falls as forgetting falls,
flake after flake.
It covers the fields gently
while frost attacks them
with its sudden flashes of white;
covers everything with its pure
and silent covering;
not one thing on the earth
can be seen, heard, or sensed,
not a bird, not a tree,
not a dog, not a stone,
nothing but the falling snow
and the silent width
of the winter sky,
and I am alone, alive,
and suddenly awakened
to the grandeur of it all,
like a new-born baby
opening its eyes for the first time
and seeing the world.
2. Silentium
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Silence, silence,
this is golden,
here in peace for the faithful death is a refuge,
here death is joy.
3. Silence
by Edgar Allan Poe
There are some qualities—some incorporate things,
That have a double life, which thus is made
A type of that twin entity which springs
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
There is a two-fold Silence—sea and shore—
Body and soul. One dwells in lonely places,
Newly with grass o’ergrown; some solemn graces,
Some human memories and tearful lore,
Render him terrorless: his name’s “No More.”
He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
No power hath he of evil in himself;
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!
4. Silent Poem
by Margaret Atwood
Speak to me in your silence
when the words you have cannot
reach the distance between us.
Speak to me in your silence
when the pain you feel
cannot be assuaged by sound.
Speak to me in your silence
when the love you have
is too great for mere words.
Speak to me in your silence
and I will listen,
with a heart that hears
all that is unsaid.
5. The Sound of Silence
by Simon & Garfunkel
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a streetlamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
“Fools,” said I, “you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sound of silence.”
6. Silent Noon
by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Your hands lie open in the long fresh grass, —
The finger-points look through like rosy blooms:
Your eyes smile peace. The pasture gleams and glooms
‘Neath billowing skies that scatter and amass.
All round our nest, far as the eye can pass,
Are golden kingcup-fields with silver edge
Where the cow-parsley skirts the hawthorn hedge.
‘Tis visible silence, still as the hour-glass.
Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragon-fly
Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky: —
So this wing’d hour is dropt to us from above.
Oh! clasp we to our hearts, for deathless dower,
This close-companioned inarticulate hour
When twofold silence was the song of love.
7. There is a Silence
by Rumi
There is a silence into which the world cannot intrude.
There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart
and have not lost.
There is a sense of holiness in you the thought of sin has never touched.
All that disturbs you is outside of you, and there is nothing outside of you.
What is within you is without blemish, as infinite and as whole
as the universe. Everything you want,
look for, and need is within you.
8. The Silence
by Wendell Berry
Though the beech is golden
I cannot stand beside it
mute, but must say
“It is golden,” while the leaves
stir and fall with a sound
that is not a name.
It is in the silence
that my hope is, and my aim.
A song whose lines
I cannot make or sing
sounds men’s silence
like a root. Let me say
and not mourn: the world
lives in the death of speech
and sings there.
Funny Poems about Silence
These interesting poems about silence playfully explore the awkwardness and discomfort of silent situations, providing a lighthearted and relatable perspective on the benefits (and challenges) of staying silent.
1. The Sound of Silence
by Anonymous
Silence is golden, or so they say,
But sometimes it just gets in the way.
It can be awkward, it can be strange,
When there’s no sound to fill the range.
2. Silent Night
by Anonymous
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is right.
But when the silence is too long,
You start to wonder what went wrong.
3. The Art of Silence
by Anonymous
Silence can be a work of art,
When used with skill and heart.
But when it’s forced upon us all,
It feels like a suffocating pall.
4. The Silence of the Library
by Anonymous
In the library, silence is key,
It’s where we go to study and be.
But if you make a noise or two,
The librarians will shush at you.
5. The Silence of the Lambs
by Anonymous
In the movie, it was a chilling scene,
When Hannibal Lecter went all mean.
But when the silence stretches long,
It’s not so scary, it’s just wrong.
6. The Silence of the Phones
by Anonymous
When our phones fall silent, we panic and fret,
We check them all, we haven’t got it yet.
But sometimes, it’s a blessing in disguise,
We get a break from all the beeps and cries.
7. The Silence of the Grave
by Anonymous
In the graveyard, the silence is profound,
It’s where our loved ones lay in the ground.
But when we leave, and the silence remains,
It reminds us of life’s fleeting strains.
8. The Silence of the Forest
by Anonymous
In the forest, the silence reigns,
The rustling leaves, the quiet refrains.
But when the animals all hush up,
It’s a sign of danger, a warning cup.
Inspirational Poems about Silence
Inspirational poems about silence offer a source of comfort and guidance, reminding us of the healing power of stillness. These inspirational silence poems reflect on the transformative nature of silence.
1. The Power of Silence
by Anonymous
In the stillness of silence, we find strength,
A source of power that’s immense.
It helps us focus, clears our mind,
And gives us peace, hard to find.
2. The Beauty of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can hear,
The beauty that surrounds us clear.
The gentle breeze, the chirping bird,
The rustling leaves, our spirits stirred.
3. The Wisdom of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can learn,
The wisdom that we often yearn.
It helps us listen, and be aware,
Of the lessons life has to share.
4. The Healing Power of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can heal,
The wounds that we thought would never seal.
It gives us space, to breathe and feel,
And helps us cope, and slowly deal.
5. The Courage of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we find the courage,
To face the fears that we disparage.
It helps us calm, and stay strong,
And move ahead, where we belong.
6. The Creativity of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can create,
The ideas that we contemplate.
It frees our minds, and sparks our muse,
And helps us bring our dreams to use.
7. The Connection of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can connect,
With ourselves, and with respect.
It helps us bond, and understand,
The deeper truths that life has planned.
8. The Gratitude of Silence
by Anonymous
In the silence, we can be,
Grateful for the gifts we see.
It helps us appreciate, and adore,
The blessings that we often ignore.
Short Poems about Silence
Sometimes, the most profound messages come in the shortest of packages. These short poetries about silence capture the essence of stillness and offer a powerful reflection on its many meanings.
1. Silent Moments
by Anonymous
Silent moments, fleeting and rare,
In the chaos of life, a breath of fresh air.
2. A Quiet Mind
by Anonymous
A quiet mind, a peaceful heart,
In the silence, we find a brand new start.
3. The Silence Within
by Anonymous
The silence within, a refuge from noise,
A place of calm, where the soul finds poise.
4. Whispers in Silence
by Anonymous
Whispers in silence, soft and sweet,
The music of nature, a perfect retreat.
5. The Weight of Silence
by Anonymous
The weight of silence, heavy and strong,
An unspoken truth, that echoes long.
6. The Empty Silence
by Anonymous
The empty silence, a haunting sound,
A void that echoes, without a rebound.
7. The Deafening Silence
by Anonymous
The deafening silence, a scream of pain,
An absence of love, that leaves a stain.
8. The Golden Silence
by Anonymous
The golden silence, a treasure so rare,
A moment of peace, beyond compare.
Long Poems about Silence
These long poetries about silence allow the poets to delve into the complexities and nuances of stillness, providing a detailed and nuanced reflection on the power of silence.
1. The Silence Within
by Mary Oliver
In the stillness of the morning,
I find the silence within,
Where thoughts can be still,
And the soul can begin.
It’s in the hush of the woods,
Or the quiet of the sea,
That I find my deepest thoughts,
And where I long to be.
For in the silence, I find peace,
And all my worries fade,
And I’m left with the knowledge,
Of the stillness that’s been made.
2. The Power of Silence
by Maya Angelou
In the silence of my heart,
I find a strength that’s deep,
A power that can move mountains,
And give my soul a leap.
For in the stillness, I am free,
From all that tries to bind,
And I can soar to new heights,
With the power of my mind.
So don’t be afraid of silence,
It’s where the truth can be found,
And in the stillness of your heart,
Your spirit can be unbound.
3. Silence Speaks Volumes
by Edgar Allan Poe
Silence speaks volumes,
When words cannot be said,
It’s in the quiet moments,
That our hearts can be read.
For in the stillness of the night,
We can hear our own thoughts,
And in the depths of our souls,
The answers can be sought.
So don’t be afraid of the silence,
It’s where the magic can be found,
And in the hush of the world,
Our true selves can be unbound.
4. The Beauty of Silence
by Emily Dickinson
There is a beauty in the silence,
A peace that cannot be found,
In the hustle and the bustle,
Of the noisy world around.
It’s in the quiet of the night,
Where the stars shine bright above,
That we can feel the stillness,
And the presence of pure love.
So embrace the silence of the soul,
And listen to the gentle breeze,
For in the hush of the universe,
Our true selves can be at ease.
5. The Language of Silence
by Kahlil Gibran
Silence is a language,
That speaks to every heart,
It’s where the spirit finds solace,
And the mind can do its part.
For in the stillness of the world,
The truth can be revealed,
And in the quiet of the heart,
Our deepest fears are healed.
So don’t be afraid of the silence,
It’s where the answers lie,
And in the hush of the universe,
Our souls can learn to fly.
6. The Sound of Silence
by T.S. Eliot
In the sound of silence,
I hear a voice so clear,
A whisper in the darkness,
That banishes all fear.
For in the stillness of the world,
I find a peace that’s true,
And in the depths of my own soul,
The answers come in view.
So listen to the silence,
And the magic it can bring,
For in the hush of the universe,
Our souls can truly sing.
Poems about Silence That Rhyme
These rhyming poems about silence are playful and melodic explorations of stillness, inviting the reader to engage with the beauty and power of silence in a unique and memorable way.
1. Silent Dreams
by Emily Jane Bronte
Silent dreams within my heart,
Whispered wishes that never part,
Echoes of a voice once known,
Lingering softly, all alone.
2. The Sound of Silence
by Paul Simon
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I’ve come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping.
3. The Silence of Love
by William Wordsworth
Silent love is a sweetest pain,
A voiceless longing that remains,
A flame that burns within the breast,
Unseen, unheard, but unconfessed.
4. Silent Beauty
by Maya Angelou
Silent beauty, grace and poise,
Unspoken words, but heard with joys,
A heart that beats, a soul that sings,
A precious gift that silence brings.
5. The Sound of Silence
by Robert Frost
The sound of silence whispers near,
A stillness that we hold so dear,
It speaks to us in muted tones,
And touches us like polished stones.
6. Silent Thoughts
by Langston Hughes
Silent thoughts within my mind,
Echoes of a time gone by,
Memories that never die,
Whispers of a love so kind.
7. The Silent Heart
by Edgar Allan Poe
The silent heart beats on and on,
A rhythm of life that is never gone,
It speaks to us in hushed refrain,
And comforts us in times of pain.
8. Silent Night
by Joseph Mohr
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild.
Poems about Silence for Children
These poems about silence for kids offer a gentle and relatable introduction to the beauty and power of stillness, encouraging young readers to pause and reflect on the value of silence.
1. Quiet Time
by Shel Silverstein
When the noise is just too loud,
And your head feels like a cloud,
Find a quiet place to be,
And soon you’ll feel just like me.
2. The Sound of Silence
by Anonymous
Listen closely, can you hear?
The sound of silence, soft and clear,
It speaks to us in many ways,
And fills our hearts with peaceful days.
3. Silent World
by Mary Howitt
In the silent world of dreams,
All is not quite as it seems,
The stars above and earth below,
Are a magic show for us to know.
4. A Moment of Quiet
by Anonymous
Just a moment of quiet, please,
To help us find some inner peace,
To hear the whispers of our heart,
And feel the stillness, never apart.
5. Silent Steps
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Silent steps, oh so light,
In the stillness of the night,
Whispers of a gentle breeze,
And rustling leaves upon the trees.
6. The Qusiet Hour
by Charlotte Zolotow
The quiet hour of day’s end,
When all the world is still,
Is the time for gentle thoughts,
And dreams that never will.
7. Silence is Golden
by Anonymous
Silence is golden, so they say,
A time to listen and not to play,
A chance to find our inner voice,
And make a quiet, peaceful choice.
8. The Sound of Silence
by Dr. Seuss
In the sound of silence we can hear,
The whispers of our heart so dear,
A place of peace, a place of rest,
Where we can be at our very best.
Poems about Silence and Solitude
Poems about Silence and Solitude reflect on the many ways in which stillness can be a source of comfort and strength, encouraging readers to embrace the power of silence in their daily lives.
1. Solitude
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone;
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
2. A Bird Came Down the Walk
by Emily Dickinson
A bird came down the walk:
He did not know I saw;
He bit an angle-worm in halves
And ate the fellow, raw.
3. The Solitude of Night
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Swiftly walk over the western wave,
Spirit of Night!
Out of the misty eastern cave
Where, all the long and lone daylight,
Thou wovest dreams of joy and fear,
Which make thee terrible and dear,—
4. The Silence
by Wendell Berry
Though the air is full of singing
my head is loud
with the labor of words.
Though the season is rich
with fruit, my tongue
hungers for the sweet of speech.
5. Solitude
by Alexander Pope
Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air,
In his own ground.
6. The Lonely Land
by A.J.M. Smith
When I was young, I thought of loneliness
As if it were an unforgivable crime,
Like drowning kittens or stealing, and I
Pitied whoever felt it more than I
Feared burglars or the judgments of God.
7. The Snow Man
by Wallace Stevens
One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;
Poems about Silence in a Relationship
Poems about Silence in a Relationship explore the many ways in which stillness can shape our connections with others, offering a rich and emotive reflection on the power of silence in our personal lives.
1. Silence
by Lang Leav
Our love was a silence
I tried so hard to ignore.
But all it did was grow louder
Until it was a deafening roar.
2. The Words Between Us
by Sarah Kay
The space between the words we speak
Is where the real conversation lies.
It’s where the unsaid things go to hide
And where the truth can’t be disguised.
3. Silent
by Rupi Kaur
silence
is the most
powerful scream
4. Words Left Unspoken
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
5. Silence
by Sylvia Plath
Silence. It has a sound, a fullness.
It’s heavy with sigh of tree, and space between breaths.
6. The Language of Silence
by Atticus
There is a language in silence
That only the heart can understand,
A dialect of love and pain
That speaks without a word or hand.
7. Unspoken
by E.E. Cummings
The silence of your absence
Speaks louder than words,
Echoing through every room
And every corner unheard.
Poems about Power of Silence
These poems about the power of silence reflect on the many ways in which stillness can shape our lives and encourage us to embrace the inner peace and strength that can come from taking time to be still.
1. The Power of Silence
by William Penn
Speak properly,
and in as few words as you can,
But always plainly;
for the end of speech is not ostentation,
But to be understood.
2. Silence Speaks
by Jalaluddin Rumi
Listen to silence.
It has so much to say.
3. The Power of Quiet
by Susan Cain
Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.
Spend your free time the way you like,
not the way you think you’re supposed to.
Choose your friends wisely.
Plan for the worst.
Celebrate the everyday heroes.
Remember that it’s all in the way you look at things.
4. The Voiceless
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We who are voiceless, we who are weak,
We who are simple, we who are meek,
We who are silent when we should speak,
We are your eyes and your ears on the street.
5. The Power of Silence
by Edgar Allan Poe
Deep into that darkness peering,
long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken,
and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore?”
Poems about Breaking Silence
These breaking silence poems reflect on the many ways in which speaking out can shape our lives and encourage us to embrace the courage and strength it takes to break our own silence.
1. Breaking Silence
by Nikki Giovanni
You cannot kill me
I am breaking the silence
As fast as I can
2. Breaking the Silence
by Warsan Shire
I held onto silence
as if it were a lifeline,
but breaking the chains of silence
was the only way to survive.
3. Breaking the Silence
by Lang Leav
You have been silenced for too long,
let your voice be heard,
for breaking the silence,
is to set yourself free.
4. Breaking the Silence
by Lucille Clifton
Come celebrate with me that every day
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
5. Silence Breaker
by Rupi Kaur
You did not want me to speak
So I learned to break the silence
With every word I say
I take back the power you tried to steal.
Final Thoughts
Silence is a powerful force that can be both positive and negative, depending on the context.
Poetry has long been used as a medium to explore the themes of silence and its many facets.
Through the various categories of poems about silence, we have been able to see the different perspectives and emotions that come with silence.
From the funny to the inspirational, the short to the long, and rhyming to free verse, there is a wide range of poems for silence that showcase the power of silence.
Whether it’s to reflect, contemplate or simply enjoy the beauty of words, poems about silence provide a unique opportunity to appreciate this complex and multifaceted concept.
