Words matter,

they heal wounds and dig scars

they puncture and protect

they call attention and curse.

Words cannot undo injustice,

they cannot breathe a new breath

they cannot give back what was stolen

they cannot revive what is gone.

Winds have come to carry the sound.

Slowly, listen to the man’s words

I can’t breathe

What words will our sons and daughters hear tonight?

The refugee, the orphan, the condemned, the ignored, the battered all cry out.

Look hate in the eyes, protest its grip on us.

Tell their stories and build new ones.

Words tear down and words build up – which will you choose?