Written for Sadje’s “What Do You See”.
Here’s where the photo prompt took me.
Brother Orrin swept the cloistered hall as sunlight pierced the latticed window, casting geometric shadows across ancient stone. Twenty years had passed since he’d last spoken aloud.
The silence had been terrifying at first …. a void where words once rushed to fill every thought. But gradually, he learned its language. The whisper of his broom against flagstones. The echo of footsteps in vaulted chambers. The patient breathing of walls that had witnessed centuries of unspoken prayers.
In the striped light, he paused. A younger monk appeared in the doorway, fresh from the outside world, eyes wide with the panic of enforced quiet. Brother Orrin met his gaze and smiled gently.
He understood. Silence wasn’t absence …. it was presence. In these hallowed corridors, stripped of speech, they discovered what words had always obscured: the profound communion of souls existing simply, quietly, together in an enduring light.
NAR©2026
#WDYS
This is “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I think that Monastic silence would become unsettling after a while, but I have never been the type of person that craves solitude and silence.
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I don’t crave it but I do enjoy moments of quiet when I can close my eyes and relax. I wouldn’t do well in that environment either.
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True presents/presence without the buzz of words to mask all. Love it!
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I’m all for some quiet time every day. It’s good for the soul. Thanks, Liz!
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A very profound and thought provoking story Nancy. Thank you for joining in.
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Prego, cara; mi piacere! Thanks for an inspiring image.
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It’s a pleasure my dear friend
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Marvelous ekphrastik
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That image is wonderful. Thanks, Ron.
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This was so wonderfully put together Nancy! Brava!
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Prego, Jodi! I do enjoy a good monk story 😇
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I love your words, but I’m afraid I detest that destruction of a classic song!
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Different strokes, my friend. I’m pleased you enjoyed my story.
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I did like the story, and have muttered before about that cover! Each to their own!
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I feel that way about almost every Beatles cover! The wonder of music.
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Joe Cocker? The MonaLisa Twins? Surely a few exceptions? 🤣
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They’re great! Did I say “almost every”? Yep, I did! 🤣
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Very intriguing, and the perfect soundtrack my friend … I don’t mind a bit of silence, but I’m almost always playing my music …
https://youtu.be/V7IDNYvcMso
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Same here, dear friend. And you can never go wrong with Joe Bonamassa! 🥰🎶🎸
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And you’re definitely right about “Joe”🎶🥰
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Serene story Nance and I love the track have to admit I’ve never heard it before but I prefer it to the original 🙌
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It really is a fab cover, Ange. So glad you enjoyed the music and story. Thanks! ♥️
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Beautifully written and very calming 💜💜
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Thanks, Sis. Nice to have you back. 💜
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Thank you Sis it’s nice to be back 😊
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I have some news; I’ll message later.
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I keep my eyes open 💜💜
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I am glad you used Disturbed version
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Not everyone will feel the same as you but I need to change it up once in a while. I love this cover. Thanks, Brian.
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Sounds of Silence was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar, the LP was one of the first I bought. Even with all that history I really like this version. The clip showing David Draimans face is the best video I reckon but that would have been too much for some
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