A visit from The Healing Muse: 'Silence Interrupted'

Deirdre Neilen, PhD: Gloria Heffernan is the author of the chapbook called "Hail to the Symptom," from Moonstone Press. Her poem "Silence Interrupted" will be especially appreciated by a particular middle-aged generation.

"Silence Interrupted"

I remember the silence

of a shallow pool among the rocks of Sabino Canyon.

Sycamores, saguaros and a stillness so deep

it was shattered by the thrum

of butterfly wings fluttering past my ear.

I remember the silence

of a late-night subway platform,

far below the midnight city streets

just before the A-train roared into view

obliterating the momentary quiet.

I remember the silence

of early morning meditation

before the ceaseless sound of tinnitus arrived

like the flat-line tone of a heart monitor

announcing the death of silence.