The Things We Didn’t Say

Written By: Muskaan Kaushik

Edited By: N. Roshini Reddy

Graphic Design By: Vedant Gunda

I am not sorry 

For the things I said

But I am sorry, desperately

For the things I didn't say

When I found myself fighting the urge to scream

My voice seemed to be lost

Lost somewhere

In the shadows of hesitation and doubt

Don't think they're gone, I have kept them

Safe, all my sorrows, my anger

The humiliation, the rage

They consume me whole today

So, I am truly sorry

For swallowing the words from the tip of my tongue

Sorry, I kept my lips sealed

When the songs of dissent were sung

I will admit now, I was scared

More scared than ever, breath ragged

As I saw your bodies

Beaten and bruised

And I'm left with questions to ask myself

Where was my nation?

Where did all the pride go?

Where were the ideals I swore to?

Here I stand now, silent

Silent with a cause

Silent with a voice 

A voice, louder than ever

Bleeding on paper

With my words, here I am

Soaked with purpose

While I can

Here I am and

I declare

Taking responsibility 

I dissent

My hands still trembling

Voice still finding its way

But I declare now

I dissent