Keeping Quiet

(Stanza 1 to 4)

Pablo Neruda’s "Keeping Quiet" is a contemplative and philosophical poem that calls for a brief moment of silence and stillness — not as an escape from life, but as a means to reflect on it more deeply. In a world driven by noise, motion, and endless activity, the poet asks us to “count to twelve / and we will all keep still.” This simple imperative suggestion becomes a powerful metaphor for introspection, unity, and peace. Twelve suggests completeness as denoted by zodiac signs, hours of the day and months of a year.

The poem begins with a universal appeal: to pause all activity and “not speak in any language.” Language here becomes symbolic of divisions among people — whether national, cultural, or ideological. By choosing silence over speech, the poet suggests we can overcome these artificial barriers and experience a sense of shared humanity. The idea of “not move our arms so much” (imagery) further emphasizes a halt to not only speech but also to aggressive or restless actions — especially those that harm others or the environment.

Neruda imagines this silence as an “exotic moment / without rush, without engines” — a rare and beautiful stillness where even the machines of industry and war pause. This is where his environmental concerns surface. He envisions a world where “fishermen in the cold sea / would not harm whales” — a clear indictment of humankind’s destructive tendencies towards nature. In these lines, the poet uses imagery and contrast to show the possibility of healing ("man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands") and compassion if only we pause our relentless pursuit of power and progress.

(Stanza 5 to 8)

The poem then takes a subtle turn towards war and human suffering. Humans prepare wars against nature, wars using gas attacks, and even nuclear wars. Even victories lead to "no survivors" (paradox) since rulers beome inhuman killing thousands of people and countries become bankrupt. By asking us to stop momentarily, the poet believes we might find a new perspective: war-makers will wear "clean clothes" (symbolic of new beginnings and a peaceful, mindful life) and will enjoy the benefits of peace (imagery) with their new-found "brothers" walking in the shade of humanity (compare humanity to a tree). Here, Neruda uses a situational irony — those who make war might become peaceable, if only they paused long enough to feel and think.

A common misunderstanding could be that the poet is advocating for passivity or death. But Neruda is quick to clarify: “What I want should not be confused / with total inactivity.” He draws a philosophical line between stillness and death. Life, according to the poet, is not about constant motion, but about conscious living. The poem reflects the Eastern concept of mindfulness — that in silence, we become aware.

The poem’s tone shifts from gentle persuasion to almost spiritual urgency as it concludes. “Perhaps a huge silence / might interrupt this sadness / of never understanding ourselves.” Neruda identifies the root of global unrest as a lack of self-awareness, a lost connection with the Earth and absolute selfishness. By listening inwardly, humans might find peace — and in doing so, reconnect with the world around them, else we would only annihilate (kill) ourselves one day. 

The final image — the Earth itself — becomes a metaphor: “When everything seems dead / and later proves to be alive.” This conveys that even in apparent stillness, there is life, regeneration, and hope, just how a leafless tree in autumn becomes green in spring. Great ideas may germinate in stillness and silence. He ends with reiterating his call for a silence of up to 12 counts.

Throughout the poem, Neruda uses free verse to mirror the natural flow of thought. His use of repetition (e.g., “let’s not”) reinforces the urgency of his plea. In essence, "Keeping Quiet" is not about escape or silence for its own sake, but about finding harmony through conscious stillness.

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse"

By William Saroyan

“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a touching story about two Armenian boys, Aram and his cousin Mourad, and their love for adventure, horses, and honesty. The story is narrated by Aram, who looks back on a memorable summer of his childhood when he was just 9 years old.

Aram belongs to the Garoghlanian tribe, a poor but proud Armenian family that is known for its strict values of honesty and integrity. Despite facing extreme poverty for generations, the Garoghlanians are respected because they never steal or lie.

One morning, Aram is surprised to see Mourad riding a beautiful white horse outside his window. He cannot believe his eyes because they are too poor to own a horse. However, Mourad insists that they haven’t stolen it but merely "borrowed" it. Aram, though puzzled, agrees to go for a ride. He is filled with joy and excitement, as riding a horse had been his lifelong dream.

Mourad hides the horse in a deserted barn near a vineyard and the boys ride it every morning. Mourad, who is a little eccentric and considered to have inherited the "craziness" of their Uncle Khosrove, is also gifted with a special bond with animals. He can calm birds, dogs, and horses easily.

After a few days, they find out that the horse belongs to John Byro, an Armenian farmer who is known to their family. John Byro tells Aram’s uncle that his horse has been stolen. Interestingly, when he later sees the boys with the horse, he chooses not to accuse them, saying instead that a member of the Garoghlanian family could never steal, and the resemblance of the horse must be a coincidence.

This silent expression of trust and moral strength has a deep impact on Mourad. He realises the importance of the family's reputation and decides to return the horse secretly to John Byro’s barn. The next morning, John Byro finds his horse back. He is happy and surprised to find the horse healthier and better-tempered than before.

Themes

a. Moral Integrity vs. Temptation:
At the heart of the story lies the theme of honesty. The Garoghlanians are known for never stealing—so Mourad’s theft seems contradictory. Yet, the boys’ intentions aren’t malicious; they merely wish to enjoy the beauty of the horse. This raises questions about moral absolutism vs. childlike innocence and passion.

b. Coming of Age:
Aram’s internal conflict about whether riding a stolen horse is truly “stealing” marks a coming-of-age moment. His struggle represents the gradual shift from innocent imagination to moral reasoning.

c. Fantasy vs. Reality:
The story flirts with magical realism through Aram’s perception of the horse ride: it feels dreamlike and surreal. The horse becomes a symbol of freedom, escape, and youthful fantasy, contrasting with the rigid ethics of adult society.

d. Family and Heritage:
The Garoghlanian family’s reputation is a point of pride. Mourad and Aram both grapple with living up to this legacy while embracing their personal desires. This reflects cultural identity and the burden of family expectations.

Character Analysis

• Aram (Narrator): Innocent, thoughtful, and reflective. He represents the voice of reason but is also enchanted by adventure and beauty. His moral conflict drives the story.

• Mourad: A symbol of spontaneity, passion, and rebellion. Called “crazy” like his Uncle Khosrove, Mourad is a romantic figure, in love with life, animals, and freedom.

• Uncle Khosrove: His loud, dismissive attitude (“It is no harm. Pay no attention to it.”) adds comic relief and illustrates the family's eccentric nature.

• John Byro: The rightful owner of the horse, he embodies forgiveness and trust. He doesn’t accuse the boys outright, instead appeals to their conscience by expressing faith in their family's honor.

Setting

• The rural Armenian landscape adds warmth, simplicity, and a sense of timelessness to the story.
• The setting reflects the natural innocence and freedom that the horse symbolizes.

Tone & Style

• The tone is nostalgic, gentle, and humorous, reflecting a fond remembrance of childhood.
• Saroyan’s style is simple yet lyrical, filled with childlike wonder and quiet philosophical depth.

Symbolism:

• The White Horse: Represents freedom, beauty, dreams, and the untamed spirit of youth. It also stands for moral temptation—a test of values.
• Summer: A metaphor for the fleeting nature of innocence and childhood joy.

Conclusion

“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a rich narrative that beautifully captures the moral complexities of growing up. Through the story of two boys and a stolen horse, Saroyan explores the innocence of youth, cultural values, and the internal tug-of-war between desire and conscience. The tale resonates as a gentle yet profound exploration of what it means to do right—especially when no one is watching.

Deep Water

Author: William O. Douglas

Genre: Autobiographical narrative / Personal essay

Narration: First person (makes the account vivid and rich)

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Point-Wise Summary

1. Introduction to the Author's Fear

•William Douglas begins by describing his childhood fear of water.

•His aversion started at the age of three or four when he was knocked down by strong waves at a beach in California.

•The wave buried him underwater, and though his father laughed it off, the experience left a deep mark on young William’s mind.

2. Decision to Learn Swimming

•Years later, around the age of ten or eleven, Douglas decided to overcome his fear.

•He chose the Y.M.C.A. pool in Yakima because it was considered safe—shallow at one end and deep at the other.

3. The Tragic Incident at Y.M.C.A. Pool

•One day, while waiting alone at the poolside, a big boy, roughly 18 years old, picked up Douglas and threw him into the deep end (9 feet).

•Douglas hit the water and sank to the bottom, terrified and helpless.

4. Struggle Underwater

•He tried to remember swimming techniques and planned to jump up and reach the edge.

•As he came up, he opened his eyes, but instead of reaching the surface, he panicked.

•He went down again, felt suffocated, and experienced sheer terror.

•On the third attempt, he became unconscious.

5. Aftermath and Psychological Impact

•He was rescued and regained consciousness on the poolside.

•Though physically safe, the incident had a lasting emotional impact.

•He began to avoid water completely: rivers, pools, lakes—all filled him with dread.

•The fear remained with him for years and affected his confidence and freedom.

6. The Turning Point – Determination to Defeat Fear

•As a young adult, Douglas felt ashamed of his irrational fear and resolved to defeat it permanently.

•He hired a swimming instructor who worked with him patiently and systematically.

7. Step-by-Step Training by the Instructor

•The instructor used a pulley and rope system to let Douglas get used to water while being safe.

•He was taught:

Breathing underwater

Putting his face in water

Paddling with legs

Coordinating arms and kicks

•The training took about three months, after which Douglas learned to swim.

8. Self-Testing in Real Conditions

•Although he could swim, the old fear still lingered.

•Douglas tested himself in lakes like Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake.

•While swimming alone, he would feel the old fear rise, but he fought it back with courage and logic.

9. Complete Triumph Over Fear

•Eventually, he realized that the terror was gone.

•He could enjoy swimming freely and confidently.

•This victory brought him a sense of deep joy, liberation, and confidence.

10. Philosophical Reflection

•Douglas concludes that fear itself is more frightening than death.

•Through this experience, he learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it.

•The chapter ends with an inspiring message: "All we have to fear is fear itself."

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Character Sketch: William Douglas

1. Sensitive and observant

2. Deeply affected by early traumatic experiences

3. Strong-willed and determined to overcome fear

4. Symbol of perseverance and courage

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Themes

1. Conquering Fear: Fear is not to be avoided but faced and conquered.

2. Courage and Determination: Douglas shows how strong willpower can overcome even the deepest fears.

3. Survival and Human Spirit: The narrative celebrates the human instinct to survive and persist.

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Conclusion

•Deep Water is not just a story of overcoming a fear of swimming but a universal tale of confronting and conquering one’s inner demons.

•Fear is natural, but it can be defeated through determination and effort.

•One must not let traumatic past events control their future.

•True freedom comes not by avoiding fear, but by confronting and conquering it.

•Douglas’s journey is a metaphor for all struggles in life where persistence, training, and courage lead to victory.

A Photograph by Shirley Toulson

Shirley Toulson’s poem “A Photograph” is a touching poem about the poet’s memories of her mother and the pain of losing her. The poem begins with the poet looking at an old photograph. It shows her mother as a young girl, around twelve years old, standing with her two cousins, Betty and Dolly, at the beach. They are holding hands and smiling at the camera while their hair blows in the breeze. The poet describes the photo as being mounted on cardboard, which tells us it is quite old. She also notices how the sea in the background has not changed much, but the girls, especially her mother, have changed a lot over time. The phrase “terribly transient feet” is a figure of speech called alliteration (repetition of 't' sound) and also synecdoche, where “feet” stands for the whole person. It shows how short and temporary human life is especially when compared to natural objects like the sea.

In the second part of the poem, the poet recalls how her mother used to laugh when she saw the photograph. Her mother would point out her cousins and the way they were dressed for the beach. This shows that her mother had fond memories of that day. The poet says, “The sea holiday was her past, mine is her laughter,” meaning that for her mother, the trip to the beach was a happy memory, but for the poet, the memory is of her mother laughing. The poet also writes about the pain of loss using the phrase “the laboured ease of loss,” which is an oxymoron ("laboured ease") —it means that even though the pain of losing someone becomes familiar over time, it never becomes easy. This composure has been achieved with a lot of emotional labour.

In the final part, the poet shares that her mother has been dead for about twelve years—the same age her mother was in the photograph. This adds to the sadness and depth of her feelings. She ends the poem with the line, “Its silence silences,” which is a powerful metaphor and repetition. It shows that the poet is so deeply affected by her mother’s death that she has no words left to express her grief. The silence of loss leaves her silent too. Indeed, grief has no language.

Overall, “A Photograph” is a gentle and emotional poem that shows how time passes, people grow old, and loved ones are lost. But photographs and memories keep those moments alive. The main themes of the poem are loss, memory, the passage of time, and the contrast between nature (like the sea, which stays the same) and human life (which keeps changing). Toulson uses simple yet strong language to express how personal loss can leave a deep silence in a person's heart.