Beyond the Silence

Nicole Kati Wong, J.D., M.S.T.

I watched the flickering of sirens,

Red and blue hues, never lessening.

The city that never sleeps grew silent,

And the quiet was truly deafening.

Ripped from our roots (but still expected to grow),

Never to see the stars the same way.

Lived in many houses, never a home.

They said it was care; that’s just a word they say.

A system of pain, waves of rejection,

No actual meals—just leftovers and scraps.

Blood in our veins and blinding affection,

Still not as binding as our shared need of maps.

I was the whisper, but you knew how to shout.

In a crowded room, your cheer still rings out.

But, I hated when you weren’t around.

The music still played, but I heard no sound.

You were born for days of adversity.

Could that I would wrap a thousand thanks.

Through all my outstanding absurdity, Y

ou let me shine, yet, in the sun, you never bathed.

They think I had it bad, but you took the brunt.

You always took the lead, and I followed as the runt.

My lashing was a drop and yours was an ocean.

You protected my youth; I’m sorry yours was stolen.

You crawled so I can stand.

You cried so I did not fret.

They think I overcame alone,

But I shall never forget.

I can never say it enough

(and it’s too hard to say it face to face):

You are a brother of worth.

Beyond the silence, always hear this praise.