Keeping Quiet
Pablo Neruda’s Keeping Quiet is a profound poem that emphasizes the need for introspection, peace, and harmony in the modern world. Written in simple language, the poem conveys a universal message of self-awareness, coexistence, and non-violence.
The poem begins with a request to count to twelve and keep still. The poet suggests that for a moment, people all over the world should stop speaking, moving, or rushing. Such stillness, though unusual, would create a special moment — one of peace, strangeness, and unity, free from noise and aggression.
Neruda imagines how this pause would impact the world. Fishermen would stop hunting whales, and salt-gatherers would stop their exhausting labour and notice their injuries. Soldiers and those preparing wars with gas and fire would stop their violence, put on clean clothes, and walk peacefully with their brothers. The poet’s vision is of a world without exploitation, violence, or destruction.
However, Neruda clarifies that he does not advocate total inactivity or death. Life must go on, but it should not be lived in blind pursuit of progress or conflict. He criticises humanity’s obsession with constant activity, which prevents self-understanding. Instead, he proposes moments of silence that can heal sadness and prevent self-destruction.
The poet draws inspiration from nature. He says the Earth teaches us that apparent stillness is not lifelessness. In winter, the Earth seems dead, but in spring, it bursts into life. Similarly, silence and rest can bring renewal and fresh energy to human beings.
The poem ends with the poet repeating his request — to count to twelve, keep quiet, and embrace stillness. He promises to leave quietly after that, letting people absorb the lesson themselves.
Through this simple imagery and profound message, Neruda highlights the importance of peace, unity, and reflection in a world filled with violence and restlessness.
Word Count: ~504
Biography of Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) was one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and a Nobel Laureate in Literature (1971). His real name was Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, born on 12 July 1904 in Parral, Chile. His father was a railway worker, and his mother, a school teacher, died shortly after his birth.
Neruda grew up in Temuco and started writing poetry at an early age. By 1920, he adopted the pen name Pablo Neruda to avoid his father’s disapproval of his literary ambitions. At the age of 20, he gained international fame with his collection “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” (1924), which remains one of the most widely read works of Spanish literature.
His poetry evolved from romantic themes to social and political concerns. He wrote about love, nature, human suffering, and the struggles of ordinary people. Collections like Residence on Earth (1933–41) reflected despair and alienation, while Canto General (1950) expressed his Marxist beliefs and solidarity with the oppressed of Latin America.
Apart from being a poet, Neruda was a diplomat and politician. He served in the Chilean diplomatic service and was also a senator. His political affiliations with communism often brought him into conflict with authorities, forcing him into exile for some years.
Neruda’s style is characterised by simple yet powerful imagery, emotional intensity, and universal themes. His ability to blend personal emotions with collective concerns made his work both intimate and socially significant.
In 1971, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for poetry that, with the action of elemental forces, brings alive a continent’s destiny and dreams. His later works continued to celebrate life, love, and humanity.
Pablo Neruda died on 23 September 1973 in Santiago, shortly after the military coup in Chile. His legacy lives on through his vast body of poetry, which continues to inspire readers worldwide.
He is remembered not only as a master poet of love and nature but also as a voice of justice, peace, and human dignity.