Are the stones ever silent now?

Are the stones ever silent now?
Does the lark still climb and the kestrel stoop
While snails embrace in slimy love?
Is there yet a silent second when
No jet planes scream or lorries growl
Or tour guides tell it wrong again?

Are the Stones ever silent now?
Does the harebell ring and the stonechat chat
While bees drink deep from golden gorse?
Is there yet a precious moment when
No cam'ras click or turnstiles clack
Or ice cream melt in sticky hand?

Are the Stones ever silent now?
Does the solstice crowd and the Druids' chant
Not know respect and silent prayer?
Is there yet a switched off mobile 'phone?
Can people come on foot - alone
With no barbed wire or entrance fee?

Are the Stones ever silent now?
Does the solstice sun and the wand'rin moon
Not tell the Stones to wait a while?
Wait 'till the noisy parasites
Are dust on the wind that they create
And silence shall come to the Stones.

Peter Herring