The Precious Silence

…that we squandered

By Apolinario Villalobos

It is only in silence that we can hear

the unspoken ache in the heart of others as they suffer,

with closed eyes we could see the torment

brought to them by thirst and hunger.

It is only in silence that we can hear

the voice of God as He answers our heartfelt  pleading,

with closed eyes we could feel His mercy

touching our heart, our whole being.

It is only in silence that we can hear

the sweet music that Mother Nature has been humming,

sweetness that we disregarded, neglected

appreciated only now that She’s dying.

It is only in silence that we can hear

the throbbing love, our heart harbors with utmost care,

that should be nurtured, shared unselfishly

not stifled, choked and left to flounder.

The precious silence, we squandered

a mistake, regretted at the last hour

as we grapple hard with time

and, eyes wide with anguish

as we all wallow in miseries!