The Silent Man and the Boastful Man

There are two men buried in a cemetery by my house, one beside the other. Every night, when no one’s around, they furtively step out of the ground to converse regarding the world they left, reminiscing about a time before death. The first man tells wild stories of money, power, and boasts about the height of his tombstone compared to the other. The second man remains silent, and no words find his mouth.

When the sun rises, both crawl back into the cold, dank chambers of their existence. This process is repeated just as described, until one night, the first man asks the second, “Why do you sit quietly? Are you not happy with the life you left?”

Without hesitation, the silent man drew his breath and spoke: “Your tombstone is bigger, but your flowers are dead. No one maintains the grass or headstone. It would seem money and power forgot who you were and found a new host. They don’t need you anymore. And I have a question on the subject: Did your money reciprocate when told it was loved? Did power give comfort through life’s fears and attacks? Did all that you own ever once smile back?

“As for my silence, I seek no joy in proving the happiness I found in the life I was given, the people I was given. The value to this world is not measured in graphs and numbers; it can only be found in the hearts of loved ones. God is my witness, I faced not one day alone. Time will fill this yard with others I know, and you will be the quiet one.”

Analysis and Reflection

The Symbolism of the Cemetery

The setting of the cemetery is a poignant backdrop for this narrative. It serves as a metaphor for the finality of life and the inevitable reckoning of our actions and values. The contrast between the two men—one boastful and one silent—highlights different approaches to life and what remains after death.

Boasting vs. Silence

The boastful man represents those who chase after material wealth and power, believing these to be the ultimate measures of a successful life. His stories of money and status, coupled with the grandeur of his tombstone, symbolize a life focused on outward achievements.

Conversely, the silent man embodies humility and the intrinsic value of relationships and love. His quiet demeanor and the state of his well-maintained grave suggest a life rich in meaningful connections, rather than material wealth.

The Power of Relationships

The silent man’s reflections underscore a profound truth: the most significant measure of our lives is not found in our possessions or social status but in the love and care we give and receive. His questions about the reciprocation of money and the comfort of power reveal the emptiness of material pursuits in the face of life’s deeper needs and fears.

Legacy and Memory

The poem concludes with a powerful reversal. The boastful man’s legacy, symbolized by his neglected grave, is already forgotten, while the silent man anticipates being surrounded by loved ones even in death. This highlights the enduring impact of genuine relationships over transient material success.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. How do we balance the pursuit of success with the cultivation of meaningful relationships?
2. What measures can we take to ensure our legacy is defined by love and connection rather than material wealth?
3. How can we remind ourselves of the importance of humility and gratitude in our daily lives?