how do I listen to voices unheard - a poem
learning to shut my mouth and listen in a really loud world
Sometimes I talk a lot, like if you get me talking about woodworking without machines or mowing with a scythe, but otherwise I’m often quiet around groups of people.
That doesn’t mean I’m always a good listener.
I need more practice listening. Especially with my wife and with God, I can be quick to speak and slow to listen. My mind is often racing along and selfish toward my own agendas.
It’s difficult to let yourself be quiet and attentive for long (no phone allowed btw), but it’s one of my new favorite things to practice.
Now the poem:
how do I listen to voices unheard
By Durgan Maxey
how do I listen to voices unheard (but felt in the heart and the soul)? how do I know as a matter of fact the message that was to be told? listening takes time (away from my day) it stops me from saying what I want to say it changes the things I thought I would pray
Let’s listen.
-Durgan
P. S. I’ve been following this podcast for a while and this current series on the practice of solitude feels connected to the poem. Here’s the link (Apple and Spotify):