The Power of Silence in a Noisy World

Ravi Shankar Rajan is a software program director who writes on varied subjects from history, archaeology to leadership and poetry.

Silence is Powerful

We are often so busy in the rat-race grind of our daily lives that we fail to notice the complex chemistry within seemingly simple everyday sounds. But what’s even harder to notice than everyday sounds are those magic, brief moments when noise ceases and the power of silence peeps through the cacophony of noise.

This poem is all about taking some time to listen to the magical sounds of silence, in order to make sense of the noise. These haikus are inspired by Brenda Arledge’s week 18 prompt “Silence”.

The Silence of Coldness

Your silence gave me,

the answers I wanted to hear,

deep beyond the noise.

The Silence of Confusion

With your all-knowing smile,

you manage to say a lot,

leaving me tongue-tied.

The Silence of Forgetfulness

Sometimes I forget,

that I am still waiting

to break my silence.

The Silence of Not Knowing

In the silence,

I stand naked with my thoughts.

I have yet to learn.

The Silence of Numbness

You broke my trust.

There will be no open doors.

Awaken stupor.

The Silence of the Hidden

When you dare to listen,

the silence echoes my words.

Try to read my mind.

The Silence of Fear

Power intoxicates.

And nothing strengthens it more,

so much as silence.

© 2021 Ravi Rajan

Comments

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 24, 2021:

Thanks Centfie

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on June 24, 2021:

The comment meant much. I enjoy rereading the poem.

Centfie from Kenya on June 24, 2021:

Wonderful! These are so powerful haikus, and beautiful too. My favourite is "The Silence of Forgetfulness." Funny, yet so true.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on June 22, 2021:

ravi, you're welcome.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 22, 2021:

Thanks Bill for your kind comments

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 22, 2021:

Lovely response to Brenda's challenge. I love silence, especially the silence following a large snowfall.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 22, 2021:

Thanks Chitrangada

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on June 22, 2021:

Impressive haikus. Silence is beautifully interpreted in your response to the word prompt.

Thank you for sharing.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 22, 2021:

Thanks Flourish

FlourishAnyway from USA on June 22, 2021:

These were excellent. I like the variety and the fact that you offered so many. Well done. We live in a noisy world.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 22, 2021:

Thanks Misbah for your comments

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 22, 2021:

Beautiful Haikus, Ravi. What a quick response to Brenda's prompt. I truly appreciate your efforts. I believe, Silence is the most powerful and loud language ever spoken

Many Blessings to you

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 22, 2021:

Thanks Miebakagh

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on June 22, 2021:

We often holds that silense is golden against a noisy fellow. But a person who maintain the silence of soul and mind become powerful than wind.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 21, 2021:

Thanks John for your kind comments

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on June 21, 2021:

What wonderful haikus, Ravi. You certainly didn’t waste time writing these. I am very impressed with this response to Brenda’s word prompt.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 21, 2021:

Thanks Brenda for your kind comments

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on June 21, 2021:

Ravi

Wow! That was quick.

Your Haikus are magnificent.

The Silence of Coldness tells us we get the answers we need in someone's silence.

The Silence of Confusion shows us how someones smile can leave us not knowing the words to say.

The Silence of Forgetfulness shows us how one can forget what he's doing.

The Silence of not knowing tells us we can learn alot if we stand humbly in silence.

The Silence of numbness is how we often feel when trust is broken.

The Silence of the Hidden tells us if we don't listen one will quit talking leaving you in silence to read his mind.

The Silence of Fear shows us how power grows stronger in silence.

These are all great. My favorite one is the Silence of Confusion. I can just picture it.

Great job. I will post a link in the article.

Ravi Rajan (author) from Mumbai on June 21, 2021:

Thanks Rosina

Rosina S Khan on June 21, 2021:

Very commendable Haikus about silence under different circumstances. They relate to real-life naturally which makes them stand out even more. Thanks for sharing, Ravi. A wonderful response to Brenda's prompt word, "Silence".