Question

Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I'll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
(b) When should we remain quiet as said by the poet?

Hint:

When reading poems with reflective moments, pay attention to the specific instructions or pauses given by the poet as they hold deeper meaning.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the poet's instruction.
The poet asks the reader to keep quiet while he counts to twelve. The silence here implies that during this moment of reflection, silence becomes a medium for understanding and introspection.

Step 2: The answer.
According to the poet, we should remain quiet when the poet counts up to twelve. This silence is symbolic of reflection, waiting for something significant to unfold or be understood during a quiet pause.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{We should remain quiet while the poet counts up to twelve, as a moment of reflection and introspection.}} \]