The poem begins with the poet urging everyone to keep quiet, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. He believes that staying still is the best way to achieve this and recommends counting to twelve to give everyone a moment of peace. The poem, rich in imagery and symbolism, indicates that we should refrain from speaking or moving our arms. Language connects people and is crucial for progress in culture, education, industry, and diplomacy. Moving our arms represents work, vital for our growth and success. However, the poet asks us to pause all these activities for a while, allowing time for introspection and inner peace.
The poet envisions the effects of this quietness as both peaceful and thought-provoking, describing it as an “exotic moment.” He uses imagery to convey its intensity, predicting a “sudden strangeness” when everyone stops moving and the constant noise of vehicles comes to a halt. This moment of silence initially feel awkward, but it has positive outcomes. It allows us to reflect on our actions and realize how we may be harm ourselves and others. The poet aims to awaken a sense of humanity in his readers, urging them to protect the earth from the greed and ruthlessness often disguised as progress.
Pablo Neruda gives examples of how we are damaging the world around us. He mentions fishermen who kill whales for their gain, even though the whales have done them no harm. He also describes a man gathering salt who, if he paused to look at his injured hands, would realize how he’s hurting himself. The first example illustrates how innocence is often exploited for personal benefit, while the second shows how we sacrifice our health, happiness, and relationships in the pursuit of wealth and success.
Also highlights the destruction caused by wars, whether fought with gas or fire, which harm both the environment and the creatures within it. According to the poet, these wars are meaningless because no one truly wins—it’s humanity that suffers in the end. He believes that by keeping quiet, both those who start wars and those who suffer from them might see the goodness in each other and rediscover a sense of brotherhood.
The poem cautions readers not to mistake staying still for complete inactivity. It clarifies that the desire for a quiet world doesn’t mean we should stop working or being productive. Instead, the focus is on ending cruelty, violence, and destructive behaviors. There’s a call to appreciate nature and recognize its importance in our lives. In our pursuit of a longer life and the avoidance of death, we often engage in harmful actions. A moment of introspection and silence could help us realize how little we truly understand about ourselves and how deeply we fear death.
