Silence

By Justin White

I am a pawn in a country that is taught to keep the silence. “Keep silent about your education,” they say, “At least you have it.” “Keep silent about the food you eat,” they say, “At least you have enough.” “Keep silent about everything you have,” they say, “At least you have something.” Do I? Last time I checked, my school was built on common core, The Killer of Imagination. Which has never given anyone anything, Except for headaches and mental breakdowns. And when I was younger, I was taught to not play with my food, So why are scientists allowed to? The government has created this illusion that I have everything I need, And I shouldn’t complain because I “have enough.” Such a dirty lie. “Have Enough” is a phrase used to block out the truth. Away to continue failed human progress, by shaping everyone the same, To make the rich richer! Compare this to a boy in a third-world country. He may wake up every morning, Kiss his mother on the cheek, Hug his father, And begin a 3-mile journey to his school. He doesn’t have breakfast, and will have no lunch. But he doesn’t care, his only hunger is to learn. Which he does. He learns everything he needs to succeed. No standardized tests, No pressure to conform, no majority over the individual. Simple. Just as it should be. He may then return home, Spotting his father working in the fields to get dinner.

He eats just one small portion of vegetables before retreating to bed. He has a half-empty stomach which he sees as half-full. This is his life, and he is happy with it. While the United States has fallen victim to greed. The “American Dream” has been spat on, Disrespected and taken advantage of. With entitled celebrities seen as idols and disrespect being rewarded. For some reason now quantity overshadows quality Wealth and acceptance overshadowing prosperity. But the media turns our attention to the boy, in that poor little country. The say he doesn’t “have enough,” But the way I see it, you don’t need a lot to be fortunate. The ones who are less fortunate, Are the ones who are told to keep the silence