Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
Keeping Quiet
Pablo Neruda
Translated by Alastair ReidNow we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.For once on earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.It would be a delicious moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.What I want should not be confused
with final inactivity.
Life alone is what matters:
I want nothing to do with death.If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Perhaps the earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
KEEP READING
SHARED WITH GRATITUDE
This poem appeared in Extravagaria by Pablo Neruda, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001. (Available on: Amazon • Bookshop)
ABOUT PABLO NERUDA
Born Ricardo Eliecer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto in the town of Parral in southern Chile on July 12, 1904, Pablo Neruda led a life charged with poetic and political activity. In 1923, he sold all of his possessions to finance the publication of his first book, Crepusculario (“Twilight”). He published the volume under the pseudonym “Pablo Neruda” to avoid conflict with his family, who disapproved of his occupation. The following year, he found a publisher for Veinte poemas de amor y… (more)
Read more poems by Pablo Neruda • Find books by this poet on Amazon • Bookshop • Or view my library
ENDNOTES
- Read more translations by Alastair Reid • Discover more poems in English • Or view more translated poems
- Explore other works in pursuit of: reflection • peace • silence • Or browse the index
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Liz
I love this poem.
Antoine Cassar
Thank you for sharing. (Please credit the translator!)
T.
Thank you, Antoine. I genuinely appreciate your taking the time to provide this feedback, and I agree wholeheartedly with the importance of crediting translators. Their work is often overlooked, and they deserve recognition for the vital role they play in bridging cultural gaps.
I’ve gone back and updated this post to credit the translator, and I’ll make sure to extend this practice to other poems as well. I want to ensure that Read A Little Poetry continues to be a space that duly honours all the contributors, not just the original authors.
That being said, as I’m sure you can appreciate, I’m managing this vast collection single-handedly and it’s quite a long project for me. I’m committed to making these changes and giving due credit where it’s deserved, but it’s going to take some time to revise everything. I kindly ask for your patience and understanding as I work through these adjustments.
I do hope that you’ll continue to enjoy the poetry in the meantime. Please feel free to continue providing feedback as it helps me to improve and keep the integrity of this collection intact. I really appreciate your vigilance and support.
Thank you again,
T.
Antoine Cassar
On behalf of my translator colleagues, heartfelt thanks!