Silent Solidarity

by Tim Andrews

I silently watch my country, holding space for those who need to be heard.

Why do I feel hopeless?

Our country in turmoil.

Our “leaders” hiding behind their agenda.

Our social media filled with gestures that may have good intentions, but are ultimately hollow.

Why do I feel lost?

My heart crumbles as I watch passion and purpose hijacked into a sick and twisted democracy.

I don’t have an answer right now for any of this.

All I can do is listen silently, as I see a country divided in pain and fear.

Why do I feel angry?

I want to rip and ravage the country that says it is the greatest on earth, yet it can’t even come together over equality.

I hear you. I hear the pain in your words, I sense anger and I know you aren’t angry at me, but I hear your words.

It’s not right and I will hold you while you scream into the void.

I will hold you like a human should hold another human.

I will carry the burden for a moment so that you can rest.

All I can do is carry it for a moment, cause it is not mine to carry, it is not my place to take away that struggle.

To say everything is going to be ok, to say that things will be greener on the other side.

Cause I don’t know if it will be greener.

All I can do is see you struggle, hear what you have to say, and hope that your voice is heard over all this noise.

All I can do right now is love you.

Please do not give up, please keep pushing through the pain and suffering, so that you may emerge beautifully from this fire.

_______________

This first appeared in The Havok Journal on June 10, 2020.