I remember a silence
filled with chirping insects,
a far off screech owl on
silent wings among the
white pines.
A constant rhythmic 
humming of spring peepers
occasionally seen, bright eyes
a glow on the tree bark
of the maple in the front yard.
Wind in the leaves,
a whip poor will call
but no cars, no air conditioners
overwhelming the peace
of natural symphonic 
night music.
Silence as delicate as
the clear black sky
sparkling with stars or fireflies,
one fading into the other.
I remember the distant
heat lightning, illuminating
a summer evening,
soundless and magical.
I remember silence
and peace.

KW
6/28/24