Only silence perfects silence

Only silence perfects silence

In the context of A.R. Ammons, the phrase "Only silence perfects silence" takes on a profound and layered meaning. Ammons was a poet known for his exploration of nature, the self, and the interconnectedness of all things. His work often delved into the complexities of existence and the ways in which language and silence intersect to create meaning.

In the context of Ammons' poetry, the idea that only silence can perfect silence speaks to the power and importance of stillness and quiet in the creative process. Ammons believed that true understanding and insight could only be achieved through moments of silence and contemplation. In his poem "Corsons Inlet," he writes, "silence perfects silence," suggesting that it is in the absence of noise and distraction that we can truly connect with ourselves and the world around us.

For Ammons, silence was not simply the absence of sound, but a state of being that allowed for deeper reflection and understanding. In his poem "Still," he writes, "silence perfects the stillness in which the world / is held." Here, he suggests that silence is not just a lack of noise, but a powerful force that holds the world in balance and allows for moments of clarity and insight.