January (Silence)

/ Daniel Swearingen


Grant Wood – January

“I killed my ex-lovers and buried to my memories’ grave. 
It is January and I am tired of being brave.” – Arzum Uzun

Silence

Cold, thy name it comes to roam, a place inside from cold darkened stone. Death thy grip too, touches bone, none the less I am not alone. Life thy grip is underground, frozen tundra where still is sound. Catacombs thy layers make, graves of takers, awaiting their take. Hope not risen from bleak winds blow, a bent leaf bare aspen with ice it tows. Ode thy note it has no sound, a broken string has fallen to ground, and scarcely shows a light this day, from a distant sun, with clouds in its way. Now sharper is that cold dark bright, which comes from dead stars that own cold nights. It cuts with precision just like some tongue; speaking into shadows that nothing comes. Of course, of course laid bare by such known sins, nothing persecutes like January within.

Silence

The festive moved from where love staid, retreated to December much far away. Fog and dire it moved in slow, expecting to labor were dead leaves blow. Said I so stiff, that speech came not, where is the purpose of such this month, and why should one expect much mirth when G_Ds of old have abandoned earth. Cry out some soul, thy blood will not run, for now it stands a colligated sum. For spirit, thy strength cannot fight this month, which fights a war and fights it much. The summer sun so far away, be still the tempest her warmth delayed. Of course, of course laid bare by such known sins, nothing persecutes like January within.

Silence

I have heard “Bleak Winter” within my heart, where earth stood iron, that chorus enough, for in this place where rain does freeze, my soul, my core, it cry’s relief. For every judgment, this month brings clear, in darkened clouds, and silent fears. For every tear, thy need does cry, for fire of warmth beneath iced skies. Summon this now, oh here me speak, with frozen syllables of witches creed, let now this dragon clear the air, bring down this month without its care. For by thy promise, this winter speaks, broken only by a wind that shrieks. Of course, of course laid bare by such known sins, nothing persecutes like January within.

Silence

01.03.2018 – דָּנִיֵּאל

59 thoughts on “January (Silence)”

  6. This was a fabulous read Daniel. The winter blues are indeed something to not trifle with, and January is such a difficult month for so many. I would quote my favorite lines from this piece but that would mean a copy and paste of the whole post. 😉

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    • Thank you Desi, I am humbled by your complimentary comment. The winter blues do seem to affect people everywhere, regardless of clime. Having lived in Florida for a while some years past, I found people as depressed there in the winter months as well.

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  7. No one sets the words that describe the soul of man better than yourself Daniel. I found this post personally moving and speaking volumes to my darkest moments that spring forth this time of year. Thank you for the words that describe my personal moments the best. This was great writing my friend!

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  9. “January” is wonderfully written, so many words that I can relate to this time of year, and although I found it’s dark nature alluring, I also recognized the severity within its content. Thank you for another post that hits the soul at its darkest moments and lifts it up.

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  10. Hi Daniel, I read once earlier this AM and had to come back and read again and then comment. You have scored a seasonal point with this piece, speaking to the darkness so many fill who live in a darker colder clime in the winter. Your writing was classic, a product of a great writer.

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  13. Like a couple of your other followers I read this post more than once. I gathered a little bit more each time I read it, and my final analysis at least for myself was that a lot of hope resides within the dark tone of your verse. The sound of silence is where that hope lives. Once again you have captured something within your words that I can relate to my life. I thank you for that. Bill

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  16. Dear brother, I hope all is well with you, I read your wonderful words above, and found many adjectives that makes my prayers for you and your family more fervent than ever before. My hope is that its me reading much into ado about nothing, none the less, I pray. As always your lyrics amaze me with your personal song. Shalom, Den

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    • Joining forces with you too, Den, enfolding our brother and his loved ones in powerful prayers.

      Let us trust Bill above when he says “a lot of hope resides within the dark tone of your verse. The sound of silence is where that hope lives.”.

      So grateful for your own support and prayers, Daniel, for helping us see God’s steadying presence in our mortalities.
      🌞🙏Leon

      [Story of My Life]

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      • Hi Leon, thank you my brother your comment means much to me. Prayer is a powerful presence that I honor always. Also thank you for posting the link to the song, “The Story of My Life”. One Direction was one of my Ryan’s favorite groups to listen to, and even now he still follows each member upon their solo journeys. The song brings back wonderful memories. Shalom my friend. Daniel

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      • Fabulous! He will also enjoy [this], then!
        And you know what, Daniel? Except for the original of the above piece just before I gave you the link, I have never listened to One Direction myself, which makes it even more amazing. But then again, it’s just like when I first felt his heart together with his dad’s, [four years ago].
        And Disturbed’s David Draiman’s expression reminds me much of [Roy Khan’s deep waters] and the atmosphere of many a writings of yours, where the road to catharsis seems so long, and yet always feels divinely embraced.
        God bless you and your family always, my brother. 🌞 Leon

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      • Hi Leon, I am sure he will enjoy that. I have to admit I got a little teary eyed (in a good way) from you sharing our first interaction. Four years is wonderful in this day and time of virtual friendships moving on and going from one thing to another. Of course we have been friends much longer in our spirits and on we shall go into eternity with our friendship and brotherhood. I agree as to the similarity of expressions between artist, both intense individuals. I will leave you with this. If I am to find clear water( https://danielswearingen.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/leon-clear-water/), it will be because of the fervent prayers of such as you my brother. Thank you. Shalom, Daniel

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  17. Daniel, it is the coldest January in many, many years. In the dark and cold it is very silent, as though the sounds of all life have frozen. I hear in your words that even though it is January outside today, a January within can happen on the hottest summer’s day.
    I’m using my Resa power to find the July within…..within January. It’s a hard found dragon, even for witches!
    This is a wonderful prose, thank you! 😀 😀

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  18. It is a cold January dear Daniel, and I barely dare to attempt the outdoors, unusual for me as I usually enjoy brisk air. Your words are wonderful, and personal, and I love them as I always do. ❤ Ruby

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    • Hi Ruby, indeed it is a bone chilling January, here in Colorado we actually have been spared much of the sub zero weather so far this year, so I can’t complain. Thank you as always my friend for your kind words and your continued reading of my post.

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  19. The following line, is one of the most profound you have written, “Of course, of course laid bare by such known sins, nothing persecutes like January within.”. This post has so much to offer. Thank you. ❤

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  20. I had to say a few words about this post Daniel. It is truly amazing, one of your best, and I have said that before. I identified with so much of it. January within, is one of the best descriptions of depression I have read. As many have already said, thank you. 🙂

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    • Hi Abigail. January and depression seem to go hand in hand for some it seems. I appreciate you finding the post to be of substance, and as always I thank you for reading and commenting. Have a great rest of your week.

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