When I told him I was ready to take the vow, Brother Xavier’s kind face wore a look of concern.
“I’ve been here for a month now, Brother,” I said. It felt strange to talk, “During this time I have spoken twice. When I arrived, and now.”
He smiled.
“I believe I understand it now. The vow of silence especially.”
His soft eyes continued to gaze into mine.
“I see the silence draws us together. A community of solitude. We are alone with God, yet together.”
He smiled, got up.
“Talking seems silly now,” I said as he walked away.
The tone of this is a bit scary for me… a life in silence would be too hard for me.
Beautiful. Austere, but beautifully written
Didn’t hear you dear, I was writing…
Dear J Hardy
I can think of a few I wish would take that vow. I like the feel of this piece. Br. Xavier isn’t much of a conversationalist, is he? ;) Well written as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I did a silent retreat for a weekend and I can’t imagine an entire life in silence.
Were these the last words he ever spoke I wonder? Apt if they were. Definitely something to be said for many people to talk less and contemplate more. Nice take.
So hard to imaging, in fact I can’t imaging never talking. Your story made me question myself, well done.
I can’t imagine where the story goes from here, but the sky’s the limit. Good one.
I would not be able to keep quiet that long. nice story
Yes. Excellent. The story is what is left unsaid. Surely Hemingway would have liked this. :)
I had two responses to this. Initially I found it quite comforting that he had found peace in silence. Then my cynical edge wondered if Brother Xavier was judging him to be inadequate or unready as he had spoken. That’s kind of annoyed me now (not the writing :) )
Brother Xavier has seen them come and he has seen them go. It’s like Karate Kid stuff. Wax on, wax off. ;-)
Brilliant!
Ha! Love the last line!
I couldn’t remain silent over this piece. “It’s great,” I whisper.
I felt as if Brother Xavier was saying, “Not yet, blabber mouth” by showing him his back.
There is a nice austerity and severity in this, apt for the setting. I don’t think Xavier is convinced that a month is long enough or that he really does understand yet.
An interesting exploration of an idea that seems so alien to most of us yet is a life choice for others. Language and communication are about so much more than chatter. Very nicely done