Silence, Redefined

Silence

noun si·lence \ˈsī-lən(t)s\

1. A lack of sound or noise

Or,

2. The sound of an empty school after the last student or teacher or cafeteria supervisor has left for the day.
3. The sound of a house that was expecting its occupant to come home today, but they didn’t.
4. The sound of someone who would like to speak, would like to shout even, but can’t breathe.
5. The sound of a group of people, standing still, heads bowed, candles lit, wax dripping, thoughts sent upward.
6. The sound one person not raising his voice against the systemic oppression of another person.
7. The sound of a taillight, flickering out.
8. The deafening quiet that immediately follows the crack of gunfire.