Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

The colour of your skin

Led to your tragic death

Now everyone is rioting

Taking over the streets

 

But where were they?

When you were silenced

When you were suffocating

When you were segregated

 

Like hot lava falling down a volcano

Boiling anger runs through your veins

Behind your rage there is also pain

How could this happen again?

 

Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

For hundreds of years

You have given

For hundreds of years

We have taken

 

In that time, less than little has changed

Endemic racism and violence linger on

‘Enough!’ you scream at the top of your lungs

Only to hear your echo as no one is there to listen

 

Cries are NOT enough

Actions must be taken

A debt to collect

A system to break

 

Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

Facing a Dead Sea of opportunities

So many doors closing in your face

Meritocracy turned out to be illusion

And freedom a complete and utter lie

 

You were born in a f***** up world

Where justice only exists for some

You grew up in a gloom reality

Which has fear as its currency

 

Playing a game of life

That you canNOT win

Because its rules are biased

And its end is set from the start

 

Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

Some say you have suffered; you have

But being a victim does NOT define you

And it never will… as you are a survivor

Here to be the change you wish to see

 

This isn’t about egos colliding – hell NO!

Time has come for us to join forces

With our black friends and families

Forming one diverse yet united community

 

May equality, hope, and kindness

Be at the heart of the days to come

Let’s remember that the only ‘I’

Should be the one you hear in ally

 

Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

With allyship comes responsibility

Who are you planning to be?

You can NOT just turn it off

A nod will NOT be enough

 

Learn and absorb information

Ask that uncomfortable question

 

Offer your privilege

Step off the stage

 

Come on lean-in

Open your eyes

And say something

 

Speak up please as…

 

Though there are NO words

Silence is NOT an option

 

So, what will be your pledge?