Tires crunched on crystalline stars,
as I drove into the park,
with no need for headlights,
the snow was so bright in the moonlight.
~
Standing at an overlook by the road,
I found the ticking of the cooling engine annoying,
so I walked up the abandoned road,
until the noise faded from earshot and there was only silence.
Such silence.
~
With breath held, I listened,
but could only hear the pounding of my own heart.
No patter of feet,
no song of night birds,
no wind or breeze to disturb the air.
Such stillness.
~
The chill I felt was not from the cold,
for strangely, I felt warm,
with the clouds holding in the heat from the earth,
and blocking the sounds of life.
Nothing.
~
I clicked my fingers to ensure I had not gone deaf,
Is this what deafness is like, I wondered.
A feeling of detachment from the world,
fearful of the noise I made by standing still.
~
I felt as though I were trespassing,
unwanted,
out of place.
The silence pressed on my heart,
squeezed it tight.
Such intense beauty.
~
Unease settled like lead,
so I returned to the welcome ticking of my car.
~
By Roxy Whalley – December 2005
All rights reserved
Note*
I remember this night very well. There was a full moon, and it was so big and bright that headlamps really were not needed, in fact, I could see better without them. I did not see another vehicle or sign of life. Any life. It was so very, very, cold, and clear, and still. I felt as though I were the only person on the planet. Not a sound penetrated this beauty, no matter how hard I strained my ears. Nothing.
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What a lovely compliment that is, thank you. I’m beginning to start looking forward to arriving in Estes Park, I need a rest… by working for the summer. LOL…
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I just printed your poem to read to writing group on a lead I’m working on called “awe.” Never heard a better example of awe. Wonderful poem. Also, have enjoyed all your recent blogs and pics. Looking forward to seeing you sometime in May. Lugs – ANNE
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