Silent Strength, Spoken Power

Hello Universe 166

I started writing poetry for its ability to inspire awe and realization, and be memorable at the same time. As a child, when trying to memorize a concept, I would turn it into rhyming couplets, because that way it would stick better.

Recently, I read the poem “No Enemies” by the Scottish poet Charles Mackay, and felt that feeling of awe that good poetry inspires within me. I was in fact so deeply moved by it, that I decided to process something that I’ve been struggling with, by writing in a similar way about it as Mackay has written.

So that’s what today’s poem is about - an attempt to process a moral quandary by writing about it in the style of a renowned poet. This way, when I’m faced with such a quandary again, I can come back to this poem and have its lessons stick with me. Hope I did a good job!

Alright, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!

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You held your tongue when in a fight?
Rejoice! my friend, you have a gift.
For those who choose the quiet way,
show strength in silence, faced with rifts.

You've spared the world from hasty word,
no reckless cries, no noise absurd.
In thoughtful pause, in measured tone,
the seeds of truth you've gently sown.

But there come times when silence hurts,
and speaking out's imperative.
For there is power in your words,
and value in your narrative.

Injustice, wrong, and actions poor,
need to be held to right account.
And with your words you just may spur,
good actions in the right amount.

So wield your weapons wise and true,
as silence does, so words will do.
It's knowing how to use them both,
that will unlock your truest growth.

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That’s it! Thanks for reading edition 166 of Hello Universe.

Check out Some Fun Stuff below.

I’m curious to know - how do you balance your duty to speak out with the ability to let silence do its job in a situation? What has been your life’s most memorable moment wielding your words or your silence to affect change?

Share your experiences with the Hello Universe community in the comments below.

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Some Fun Stuff

This is where I share something cool to read, something cool to listen to, and something cool to watch! The underlined words are links that you can click to visit the recommended content.

1. Read “In defense of the fabled fib”, by

Ariana Newhouse

on

Respectful Smartass

: Ariana is one of the funniest writers on Substack. Her gifts for describing life events in a hilarious way, and writing listicles that get progressively unhinged, are truly gifts for the entire world.

In this, her 100th post (CONGRATS ARIANA!), she recounts a story about accidentally setting herself on fire, but also touches on something deep about the human need to invent memories. I love her writing, and I recommend you check her Substack out right away!

#100: In Defense of the Fabled Fib

2. Listen to “Designer Eggs Im Garten” by Stavroz: I’ve loved Stavroz ever since I heard “Great Day to Fly a Kite” and now that I’ve heard this new track by him, it’s playing on repeat. A chilled out bopper that will make you feel relaxed and want to sway at the same time. Check it out!

3. Watch “The Construction Workers Outside Your House” by Ryan George: Ever since September, there’s this new building being built about 10 metres away from my window, and watching this video made me feel SEEN! Check it out, it’s hilarious. You can never go wrong with Ryan George.

That’s it for this week, see you next Tuesday!