On silence
“The eleventh degree of humility is concerned with the manner of speech . . .”
Chapter 7, St. Benedict’s Rule
Speak little, speak low,
new truths I do not know,
I the she who’s ever
talking, always and not ever
listening for the quiet voice
teaching me that choice
isn’t to obey my silly heart.
Now only do I start
to hear Your blessed name
pattered by the rain,
sung by the rising sun,
uttered as I run
with each breathing cell
of my soul’s singing shell,
these limbs I love
by which I move
closer, close to You.
The body speaks true:
what my tongue wants most
the silence of the host.
