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?