Congratulations to Kirsten Johnson, the winner of our favorite poems competition. Kirsten's choice was a brave one: an unfashionable poem by an unfashionable poet from an unfashionable period. The poem that means so much to her is Dante Gabriel Rosetti's Silent Noon.
Portrait of Dante Gabriel Rosetti
You can find the poem at The House of Life: 19. Silent Noon by Dante… | Poetry Foundation
The elaborate wordcraft of the poem celebrates a mode of communication that is beyond words. Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing with us the way this poem has become part of the texture of your life.
Kirsten wrote:
The power of silence to hold love, and convey love, has always been miraculous for me. Being married to a quiet soul, silence is an important part of our communication. Although not a contemporary poem, Silent Noon captures the strength of silence within a rich and colourful world so full of love that the teller is almost in a dream state. I love this poem. I sing this poem in an arrangement by Ralph Vaughan Williams. It has been a constant companion for thirty years -- in its own quiet, silent way.
Thaks Kirsten! I didn't know this poem; I'm so glad you introduced me to it. I can see why you love it. Thanks for your understated words.