Now all my teachers are dead except silence

Now all my teachers are dead except silence

"Now all my teachers are dead except silence" is a poignant and reflective line from the renowned poet W.S. Merwin. Merwin, who passed away in 2019, was known for his profound and introspective poetry that often explored themes of nature, loss, and the passage of time. This particular line speaks to the idea that as we grow older, we inevitably lose those who have taught us and guided us throughout our lives, leaving us with only the quiet solitude of our own thoughts.

In the context of Merwin's work, this line can be interpreted as a meditation on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. Throughout his poetry, Merwin often grappled with the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. The loss of his teachers can be seen as a metaphor for the passing of time and the gradual fading away of the people and experiences that have shaped us.

However, the phrase "except silence" suggests that even in the absence of our teachers, there is still something profound and meaningful to be found in the quiet moments of reflection and contemplation. Silence can be a powerful teacher in its own right, offering us the space to listen to our own inner voice and make sense of the world around us. In the absence of external guidance, we are forced to confront our own thoughts and emotions, and find our own path forward.