WHEN YOU ARE SILENCED

Being silenced by someone,
or by a group, hurts.
A lot.
It sends a brutal message:
You do not matter.
You are worthless.
You are nothing.
Your opinion is invalid.
This is where your protest begins.
Protest does not have to be loud.
It does not have to be violent.
You can protest from presence.
From a grounded, calm place.
Yes, you can protest from peace!
You can have a voice,
even if you have been denied one.
Protest does not have to be a grand gesture.
It might mean taking one tiny step.
Saying the thing you have been avoiding.
Asking for support.
Making even a small wave.
Friend, do not disappear
when they try to make you disappear.
Do not silence yourself
when they try to silence you.
Find a way to speak.
Even quietly.
Even without words.
You are here.
You matter.
You are worthy of having a say.
Your perspective counts.
When you are silenced,
make waves.

- Jeff Foster

Art: Charlie Cattrall