Starting the Conversation

Starting the Conversation

Alone on the street,
          our eyes do not meet.
Our fears push away
         the things we should say,

                   And so we pass by...silently.


Shared seats on the bus
          each sits still, no fuss.
Uncomfortable,
          each wears a lable.

                   Our thin skin touches…silently.


Polite business masks
         allow daily tasks,
but transactions end,
          and facades unbend.

                   Years and years go by…silently.


Our shared history
          is no mystery.
But discussing truth
          is called uncouth.

                   So our thoughts are quelled…silently


The faults of our past
          were not meant to last.
We all have a claim.
          and all are to blame.

                   Our breath is held in…silently.


In shame and shared guilt
          we’ve witnessed blood spilt.
And still we remain
          outside the refrain

                   So the tensions grow…silently


We long for others
          to call us brother.
Yet we cannot employ
          our own voice in joy.

                    We anticipate…silently.


Our hands long to clasp
          new friends in our grasp.
So tongues must be freed,
          be ready to lead.

                    Change will not enter…silently.


I'll take the first stride,
          we're on the same side.
We'll talk on the way.
          Well, what do you say?

                    Hope cannot be spread…silently.