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It is an era of freedom
Of speech and of expression
We raise our voice over the clamour
We love to share our vision;
Share our pictures, share our words, 
Drag our enemies though the dirt;
We judge what's right and wrong,
We cry out when we hurt.

But what about the thoughts of those
Who cannot type their troubles?
Who grew up in a slower world,
Now trapped in ever-shrinking bubbles

And what about the thoughts of those
Who fear just to voice them?
People of whom we do not speak
Before you judge, put on their shoes.
Would you listen to your story,
Before condemning you?

And what about the the thoughts of those
who have no words to speak them?
Who feel fear and pain and loss
As their homes make way for humans.
Listen for the screams behind 
Your homes, your clothes, your food.
Listen for what’s right.
Listen, so they’ll be heard. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ananya Ravikumar 

22.8.18 (Edited: 9.4.19)










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