Friday, February 12, 2010

The Quiet World


Do you remember what were the first one hundred and sixty-seven words you spoke today?

The Quiet World – Jeffrey McDaniel

In an effort to get people to look
into each other’s eyes more,
and also to appease the mutes,
the government has decided
to allot each person exactly one hundred
and sixty-seven words, per day.

When the phone rings, I put it to my ear
without saying hello. In the restaurant
I point at chicken noodle soup.
I am adjusting well to the new way.

Late at night, I call my long distance lover,
proudly say I only used fifty-nine today.
I saved the rest for you.

When she doesn’t respond,
I know she’s used up all her words,
so I slowly whisper I love you
thirty-two and a third times.
After that, we just sit on the line
and listen to each other breathe.
Even I don't remember but I do wish I could recollect....and you?

2 comments:

  1. I absolutely loved this poem! And I cannot recollect too :P

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  2. Beautiful thought and also liked the idea. Will reduce the noice pollution too.

    ReplyDelete