Here in the Abbey on a hill,
monks value words
enough to disuse, eschew excess
when hand gestures, eye contact,
connective silence
will do.
It is a very calm way of speaking,
fosters a healing atmosphere
for people seeking
what
they can hardly say
may soothe.
Anytime I’ve been able to visit dedicated holy places, there’s a sense of having arrived on a variation on social protocol. You are literally asked to grow quiet, without anyone saying anything. It is one of the most beautiful invitations. I love the Silence that seems to suit and surround the Holy.
