I don’t fear the clamor, the chants, or the rallies,
Nor force, or clashes, (though I do fear fatalities.)
I don’t fear debate, fiercer than fire,
The cause is too noble to suggest it be quieter.
What I do fear is that racism (like anti-semitism) has no good solution.
That lives will be lost and still no revolution.
That storefronts will be rebuilt but bloody soil’s exposed,
Until it happens again and the anger explodes.
What I fear is not protests, and riots, and rage.
What I fear is when it’s over that the world will not change.
What I fear is (R)Tweets and likes that fill us with pride,
In the safety of our skin while others must fight –
Prejudice and platitudes equally painful,
Not recognizing our bias is in some ways most shameful.
But perhaps all my feelings are a seed **I** must sow,
On a field **I** must toil over for true change to grow,
If I open myself to your pain like the rain,
Then maybe just maybe I’ll harvest some change.
Send it to the political pundits and hope that their ears are open! You could not put it better than this.
a great poem ; it says it all
Thank you Rabbi for your kind and generous heartFelt words
I appreciate Rabbi Motzen’s dual emphasis on the need for effective social action (“What I fear is that when it’s over, nothing will have changed “) and also personal inner transformation (“if I open myself to your pain, like the rain”). This dual emphasis seems very consistent with Mussar practice.
Wow. Powerful & insightful. That change starts with the individual and we must NOT fear standing up to what’s right and just. The INDIVIDUAL can make a difference and help to reap the harvest of change