The Quiet World
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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.
I chose this poem because I loved the idea of only having a certain amount of words you could speak everyday. I can't imagine that, but I find it so romantic that the poet saves all his words for the women he loves. He doesn't care that she didn't try to save her words for him, only repeats "i love you" over and over until he has no words left. I also find it very sad that the two lovers are long distance, so they aren't able to see each other- they have to rely on conversation over the phone. This is nearly impossible when they only have a certain amount of words, but their love stays strong. I thinking that is terribly romantic, and teaches me a little bit about what true love is. When you truly love someone, all that matters is if you're together. Whether they're right next to you, or you're listening to them silently breathe over the phone, as long as you know the other person is there, you will be content.
Sarah I find this poem to be incredibly sweet! There is something so simple about having a few words but only saying the ones that truly matter that makes this even more powerful. To think he saved most of his words for her just makes my heart melt. Sadly, it does seem very one sided, or at least his character is much better than hers because he saved his words for her but not the other way around. Do you think there are different levels of love that we experience based on our character?
ReplyDeleteThis poem is definitely very sweet and it's sad in a lovely way. I agree that it teaches the reader a little more about love, where all a person needs is to have their love's presence to feel okay. I love the idea of having a certain amount of words, and I love that the poet believes that love can survive, especially long-distance, on just a few words a day. This poem is really lovely, and I love the way you look at it!!
ReplyDeleteI find this poem very interesting, where the government only allows for a certain amount of words to be spoken a day. I also think it;s incredibly romantic that he saves his words for her. I also think that this poem is sad that their love is long distant and there is only a certain amount of word that they can say to express their love.
ReplyDeleteUgh, Sarah this poem was such a great read, and your interpretation was even better. Being in a long distance relationship sometimes with Rhi when she is away for training is always so hard, and every phone call we have always seems like it wasn't long enough because it ends up feeling like I didn't say all I could have. It's a hard thing to do, but it can actually intensify the feeling because once you're physically within reach of the person it feels a lot more real and genuine. It's sad to see the one sidedness of the love, however. Do you think it's better to remain silent until finally seeing your lover to also show them the feeling, or saying what you can when you have the chance?
ReplyDeleteWow I actually really enjoyed this poem! I loved the unique direction the poet took with what he thought was important about love. I agree with you saying that the poet saving his words for his partner was extremely romantic. It shows how important some people can be to others that they would hinder a crucial skill of language just to be able to say I love you. Definitely a great poem and great response, well done!
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