Erich Heimbach
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(A Letter to The Editor)

Dear Ed -

Ever since there was the idea of "bamboo" with it's theme "quiet" I was desperately struggling for some contribution. There were moments where it was almost manifest but the last layer of the egg I couldn't peck through. There were moments when all the (outer) circumstances were just perfect to be "quiet" but the inner avalanches kept breaking loose... The inner gossip just never subsides when trying to be quiet. Then in the middle of a tense situation, a lot of work done and still to be done when listening to the radio playing some church music, Latin lyrics & organ, between taking another break & exhaling - for a very short moment the pure experience of being quiet... - - followed by the usual varieties of noise.

Take care, see ya, Love, Erich

P.S.1

You don't know what IT looks like
You don't know what IT sounds like
You even don't know how to describe IT -
Either you've missed IT or
You've got IT
(So don't get excited about it).


P.S.2

No need to use words,
No need to listen -
No need for colours
No need for touch -
No need for fragrance
No need for thoughts -
Just be quiet & ordinary.


P.S.3

I love the moment
After the explosion -
it's so quiet.


Feb. 4, '95
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Dear Ed -


Just a few lines on this Tuesday evening instead of a phone call...

I'm not able to trace back linguisticwise & it seems to me there's also another approach to language i.e. via sound & image.

There might be silence in the form of a thick snow-covered landscape, but mind is busy with adoring & comparisons.

I think real quiet times are only moments & they happen by themselves.

Calm (abiding) one can train (if one is skilled).

On the other hand, aren't there quiet thoughts and quiet songs?

Stillness is somehow connected with inactivity.

Serene is a state of mind...it can be quiet...


See ya, Love Erich

March 14, '95
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