Photo: Ofir Asif

There is static in the air,

Discord at what can no longer

Remain unchallenged.

There’s a buzz

To hold accountable

The hate and prejudice that has no space

Among the truly civilized.

There is hope amidst the noise:

The march of feet and hearts

That will not stay silent

At disrespect and bullying.

The sparks of light

That multiply to pull aside

The medieval darkness

Some wish to blanket over progress.

There is static in the air.

It crackles with potential.

May it smother ignorance

With wisdom.

May it end violence

Through empathy

And tolerance.

P.S. Since several of you had contacted me to ask about the photo: my nephew took this photo at the Gas Chambers in Auschwitz. The staining on the ceiling is from the Zyklon B poison. I thought this photo was an apt backdrop for the evils of racism and why it cannot be allowed to rise, no matter where or against whom or by.

For The Daily Post