Sincerely, I Won’t Stay Silent.
By: Jhen Mercene
Why must I stay silent
For the ones that stay violent,
To the stares that share
The truth within the silence.
I have heard generations of resilience
From people of colour fighting:
For equality,
For change,
For acceptance.
Our ancestors are watching with anticipation;
Waiting to see us take action.
We walk with grace and dignity
Continuing forwards together, in rhythm.
A light is coming and I will not let darkness take over.
I will not stay silent.
News and stories fill my thoughts
Wondering if all is lost.
Innocents getting beaten, hated, and killed.
They wonder why there’s a rise in violence
When they took away our rights
To make a peaceful utterance.
They pick and choose
Like they’ve got nothing to lose,
But when all sets loose
They abuse their privileges.
Forgive me for hate is a strong word,
But how could I not hate on someone
Who destroys our worth?
We should not have to take the consequences
For the problems that they’ve caused.
This oppression is weighing down,
Making us fall on the cold, hard ground.
They look down on us like we don’t matter
But would they care if they knew
Our hearts,
Our minds,
Our souls,
are shattered?
Don’t look the other way.
I’ve built up enough courage
That my heart yearns for me to yell it.
I say these words
With a privileged life,
Yet the only thing I can hear is the ringing in my ears
And the sound of my beating heart.
“I see you when you are not seen.”
“I feel when you feel.”
“Together, we won’t be silent.”