Concept:
The poem “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda highlights the importance of silence, peace, and self-introspection. The poet encourages all human beings to pause for a moment, remain calm, and reflect on their actions. The idea of keeping still is not limited to an individual but involves everyone collectively participating in a peaceful moment.
Step 1: Understanding the meaning of the expression ‘we will all keep still’.
The phrase “we will all keep still” indicates that the poet is asking every person on Earth to participate together in a moment of silence and stillness. The use of the word “all” emphasizes collective involvement rather than an individual action.
\[
\text{“we will all keep still”} \Rightarrow \text{Everyone participates together in silence.}
\]
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
• Option (A) is incorrect because the poet is not expressing only his personal willingness to remain quiet.
• Option (B) is partially related, but the expression mainly focuses on everyone’s participation rather than just the importance of stillness.
• Option (C) is correct because the poet appeals to all human beings to collectively engage in a moment of silence and peace.
• Option (D) is incorrect because counting to twelve is only a means to create a moment of pause.
Step 3: Final conclusion.
The expression “we will all keep still” reflects the poet’s appeal for collective engagement, where all people come together to experience silence, peace, and self-reflection.
\[
\boxed{\therefore \text{Correct Answer: (C) the poet’s appeal for collective engagement.}}
\]