Silence refers to that noise in the background, that low, rumbling hum, never noticed until it is gone, or magnified a thousand times over until it is all that can be heard as it fills ears with its mumbled growl that passes for a sound.

Silence refers to the thoughts in your mind clamouring for attention, never acknowledged, never fully realised until all obvious, possible other sources have been explored and your mind quietens and in its state of relaxed tension, realises the existence of these thoughts, allowing the silence to break for a split second, for that one idea to escape.

Silence comes in the form of bangs and explosions, whizzes and devastation a thousand miles away, never heard of until lives are lost, and hearts are irreparably broken. With silence, comes consequence.

Silence also in the form of complete exhilaration, quiet joy shining through the brightest smile, louder than anything you can ever hope to hear. Silence, brought about by understanding – communication through the eyes; secrets conveyed with unspoken words; a lover’s touch, family’s hug.

Silence is that of wind moving water, gravity pushing the earth as it spins and spins and spins, with no more effort than what is necessary, bringing with it a form of contentment as patience is bred.

Silence unacknowledged, done injustice by the frequent need for disaster, churning thoughts, butterfly-filled stomachs, and the lack of good will. In that split second between a footfall and the snapping of a twig on a forest floor of dry leaves.

A motif. Beauty – fear. It brings with it all the features of the past, present and probably the future as they meet, in a head on collision. It brings with it the secret wishes on stars, shooting or still, it brings with it faith in the constellations and time and space. If you listen you will hear them, as they rush by in a never-ending quest for the future, and for sound, and for something to happen.

Shhh. Silence please,