Now we will count to twelve
And we will all keep still
For once on the face of the earth
Let’s not speak in any language
Let’s stop for a second
And not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines
We would all be together
In a sudden strangeness.
Fisherman in the cold sea
Would not harm whales
And the man gathering salt
Would not look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars
Wars with gas, wars with fire
Victories with no survivors
Would put on clean clothes
And walk about with their brothers
In the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about.
If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving
And for once could do nothing
Perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
Of never understanding ourselves
And of threatening ourselves with death.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet, and I will go.
- Pablo Neruda