The Discourse of Silence - By Holly Frances Allen

Written By: Holly Frances Allen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Holly Frances Allen presents a profound exploration of the theme of silence in her poem "The Discourse of Silence," part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This entry in the Poetry category delves into the contrasting roles silence plays in defining the pivotal moments of life, love, and death. Through evocative imagery, Allen invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of silence on our emotional and existential experiences.

About the Work

"The Discourse of Silence" is a poignant meditation on the power and complexity of silence. Through a series of vivid and relatable scenarios, the poem captures the tension and significance of silent moments that punctuate life's most critical events. The work's emotional depth and introspective approach invite readers to consider how silence can both comfort and confront us, highlighting its duality as both a defining and unsettling force.

The Discourse of Silence

Original Submission by Holly Frances Allen

The Discourse of Silence

A poem by Holly Frances Allen.

There is more said in Silence than in Sentence.

I don’t mean actual chatter.

Im talking about the -

Defining defiance of noise.

You see,

Silence defines all of lifes decisive moments.

Like,

The silence before a baby’s first breath.

The world halting noiselessness-

before the cry of life.

And then,

There is the silence of love.

The hushed moments that turn into

Peculiar circumstances of splendour.

The quiet before your first kiss.

A silence –

That explains –

An unquestionable tension.

The silence after that big question.

Before the a reply that –

Leaps into –

A union of two souls.

Unfortunately, still.

When Silence defines life.

It also –

Defines Death.

The muteness of someone’s last breath.

The time of flatline –

When all the beeping monitors and maddening machines –

Become devoid of purpose!

The reticence when you go back to the home you shared.

The sudden quiet, when you walk through the door.

The lack of laughter –

To a joke they would have loved.

The over all lack of reply.

To the vocal niceties –

That opened and closed –

The day.

Then comes your silence.

Your quell of anger,

Sadness or joy!

An un-exclamated.

The silence you choose.

Because you know,

That if you tried,

It would be the only thing returned.

So, despite the so-called life quality to silence.

What really makes it all so similar –

Is the way we all wish –

The silence would end.

It’s the fact.

That the noise in this noiselessness –

Is far to frightening –

For us to bear…

The sentence in silence.

The what if’s - please no’s – the begs and pleads.

That run through the quiet

That defines how heavenly

Words can be.

How a simple word,

Cry or croak,

Can silence

The entire discourse of the Quiet.

* A poem by Holly Frances Allen, 2026, Johannesburg, South Africa.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in the realms of poetry and creative writing. This competition seeks to inspire writers around the world to express their unique perspectives through the written word, fostering a global community of literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Holly Frances Allen for sharing her evocative poem "The Discourse of Silence" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of the nuanced role silence plays in human experience. Thank you, Holly, for contributing your voice to this global celebration of the written word.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.