The Courage of Words
by Kay Kestner:
There is a courage in words.
Look at the language your father
was too afraid to speak, language
of love, language of comfort.
See the vocabulary trapped
behind your mother’s lips,
lips that were told they had no words
worth saying. See the stories
she’s still too frightened to tell.
Look at the strangers as their
eyes look away from injustice
afraid that if they see they might
accidentally say something, might
without intention speak up for the hurt,
the wronged, and the battered.
See how frightened they are of
what words could get them
tangled into.
Yes, there is a courage in words.
Words are actions that carry sounds
that can save, can love, can free,
can reconcile, can cure.
To speak, to truly say, to let the
truth slip past the lips is a bravery.
Apathy and cowardice are silent and speechless.
Be courageous and let your lips release
your words, let your lips
change this world.
© December 30, 2009
Do Something for Democracy
Given the rapid changes to our government in the United States, it’s vitally important for us to speak up. Silence and apathy will only embolden a leader who serves his own agenda – an agenda that undermines democracy both within the US and around the world.
Every small act adds up when we all “do something.” Even if it’s just making one call, once a week to one of your representatives – that adds up!
The resources on the Do Something for Democracy page give you ways you can take action. Find what fits your comfort level. No one can do it all, but we all can do a little something.
Kay Kestner 
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