Silently, I listen.

Silently, I listen for the sounds a safe world makes,

The sighs of satisfaction, low chuckles deep within,

Long, even breaths drawn over calm hearts,

The yes, yes, yes of affirmation.

Silently, I listen and silence I have heard.

(written after too many tragedies, both national & personal)

Caption: Silently I listen by Annmarie Throckmorton, 2006 (my ear).