In Robert Bly's poem, he reflects on the challenge of communicating with our inner selves or spiritual guides, which he metaphorically refers to as "angels." These angels symbolize the deeper aspects of our consciousness that often go unheard amidst the chaos and noise of life. Bly suggests that these aspects are "hiding," indicating that they are not easily accessible due to the silence that has accumulated from the pain and conflicts we've experienced, likened to "jugs of silence" filled by our wars.

The poet emphasizes that to truly connect with these hidden parts of ourselves, we must make an effort; we have to "call especially loud." This notion conveys that reaching our inner truths requires intensity and dedication, especially in a world filled with distractions. The metaphor of silence as a consequence of war resonates with the idea that emotional and spiritual growth often stems from confronting and healing from past struggles, implying that true understanding involves both a loud expression and a sincere search for peace.