I Could Fall Through the Cracks of Such Silence

Summary

The web content is a reflective poem and accompanying essay inspired by a passage from Ling Ma's novel "Severance," exploring the profound impact of silence and the fear of being forgotten.

Abstract

The poem titled "I Could Fall Through the Cracks of Such Silence" delves into the overwhelming nature of silence, comparing it to a void that can engulf one's existence. It contrasts the desire for noise with the revelatory aspects of silence, which can unveil subtle, yet impactful sensations. The author, Jonathan Greene, draws inspiration from a specific passage in "Severance," emphasizing the emotional resonance of certain phrases that can spark the creation of new poetry. The essay briefly quotes the inspiring passage from the novel, highlighting the theme of waiting in silence and the solace found in prayer. The poem and essay together reflect on the power of words to evoke deep emotions and the beauty of silence when it allows one to hear the unheard.

Opinions

The author suggests that silence can be both deafening and enlightening, offering a space for introspection and discovery.
There is a notion that words sometimes fail to capture the depth of certain emotions or experiences.
The poem implies a fear of being lost or forgotten, as if one could disappear into the vastness of silence.
The essay expresses admiration for the novel "Severance" and its ability to inspire through its prose.
The author values the act of waiting and the contemplative state it can induce, as evidenced by the character's turn to prayer in the face of overwhelming silence.
The use of an affiliate link to Bookshop indicates the author's support for local bookstores and the literary community.

A Poem

The silence is deafening eardrums ablaze with nothingness There isn’t more to say because this is the answer Sometimes there is no more to say because words can’t convey the dearth of emotion that exists at this moment

Some want noise to balance their own mouthful but silence is golden especially when the noise is so loud And once you get there you hear things you never knew existed Like a gentle breeze across your face Like a ray of sun shining on your arm Like the trickle of a river far away but also of the ghost

I could fall through the cracks of such silence and tumble into eternity without earplugs just listening to the ambient power of the void

This poem was inspired by a passage in the novel, Severance by Ling Ma. I find myself highlighting words or passages that move me every time I read, no matter what I am reading. When I find the highlight that projects to a poem, I don’t read the source again before I write, I just allow the nerve to be touched. And then I spill my words.

A snippet from pages 269–270 of Severance, where I got my inspiration:

As she is about to leave, she turns back. If you do manage to escape, then it will be a long time before I see you.

Just like that? I ask.

Just like that, she says, and goes.

I wake up. It is so silent. I could fall through the cracks of such silence. There is nothing to do but wait. And wait. And wait.

I don’t know what else to do, so I close my eyes. I begin to pray.

If you liked this, you might like this as well:

*The link for the novel is an affiliate link to Bookshop. Supporting local bookstores.

I Could Fall Through the Cracks of Such Silence

A Poem

Collage

A Poem