Silentium - SATB a cappella

This stunning poem by Russian poet Fyodor Tyutchev was penned in 1830 and later translated into English by the great Vladimir Nabokov. What is so striking to me is how relevant Tyutchev's thoughts are in the 21st century. We live in an era of so much "over disclosure" in media and social media that it seems to mysteriously erode our very sense of self. Our inner being becomes drowned by the noise of our world. Some of what we speak becomes so misinterpreted that it returns to us as unrecognizable. True courage isn't measured by our level of disclosure, but by the beauty we pass on to humanity. By keeping some thoughts especially close, it can be richer not to express ones self aloud.
 
Speak not, lie hidden, and conceal the way you dream,
the things you feel.
 
Deep in your spirits let them rise akin to stars in crystal skies that set before the night is blurred: delight in them and speak no word.
 
How can a heart expression find? How should another know your mind? Will he discern what quickens you?
 
A thought once uttered is untrue. Dimmed is the fountainhead when stirred: drink at the source and speak no word.
 
Live in your inner self alone within your soul a world has grown, the magic of veiled thoughts that might be blinded by the outer light, drowned in the noise of day, unheard…
 
Take in their song and speak no word.