
Speaking and Speechless
I am speechless. Or maybe I should be.
What to say when the unspeakable happens?
When you are out of anger,
burnt in the riots of a dozen injustices of color
just in the last year.
When you are battered in a plague ignored,
the losses so great, and at times so personal
you wonder it the mourning will ever end.
When the sacred halls of your nation
become just another store to loot
And no one takes responsibility.
For this is not an event.
It is a culmination,
It is what hate does.
What prejudice does.
What the diminishment of people does.
What the need for power over peace,
power over people, does.
And I am left stumbling out words knowing
they are not enough.
It is too big for my words
but I whisper your antiquated beliefs any way.
People matter.
Love matters.
You know the truth, that when hate is spent,
love is left the rebuilding.
About this poem
You will have to bear with me. Writing things out is how I make sense of things. Even if the words are not quite right, it is how I get there.
Tom
Your words are perfect for today!
You wrote my heart!
Thank you for your powerful words. You were able to say what I’ve been struggling to. Love matters..
Thank you very, very much. This poem, alone, is a step in my healing from yesterday. God Bless. – Ellyn, Baton Rouge
Tom,
What a horrible night. I was so upset that I couldn’t sleep.
I love what you wrote!
“People matter.
Love matters.
You know the truth, that when hate is spent,
love is left the rebuilding.”
God bless you and all that you do! Dr. Jim Brown
I too wish I had the “right” words. Thank you for yours, Tom.
Perfect words!!! I could never have expressed it any better. Sad, sad day!