A “Silence” For Paul Tillich

We come from Silence
we return to silence
yet we fear it
for it is purchased
in small quantities
at high price and keeps company
with Quakers, convicts, the condemned
others of ill repute,
so we are wise
in our fear of it
should touch it carefully-
as we would a far distant chalice
taken at communion
of consecrated grape juice
or even wine.