'Listening' Summary

In “Listening,” the speaker stands in a pasture as the sun begins to set. The scene is characterized by a stillness that allows the speaker to fully immerse themselves in the sounds of the natural world. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of insects, the distant calls of birds, and even the silence between these sounds are all carefully observed and described. The speaker contrasts the sounds of nature with the silence of the human world, suggesting that true listening requires a willingness to quiet our own internal noise and be present in the moment. Through the speaker’s attentive observation, the poem invites the reader to find peace and tranquility in the simple beauty of the natural world.