Through the Silence
One week ago today, the universe continued its wondrous ways and was about to bring me to an unexpected, but enlightening fork in the road.
Wondrous Universe
As I was getting dressed for the day, I was listening to my friend, Stephanie Kostopoulos’ podcast, “Discovering Our Scars”, This particular episode was titled, “The Scars of Being Black in America” and featured special guest and friend, Ashley Basnight.
Steph and co-host Beth Demme asked pointed questions about the Black Lives Matter movement and what white people can do to help further the cause for justice for all. Ashley was so forthcoming and kind as she shared her experience living in this country as a black woman.
It was like listening in to three friends having coffee - there was no tension, no attitude, just a peaceful discussion…and I learned something powerful.
Silence is complicity.
I was humbled.
And, I felt empowered.
The Inspiration
The next moment, I received an email from friend and piano player, Rob Rennie. He had just sent over a piece he wrote called, “Ode to a Shop Keeper.” He was moved to write this composition after reading an article about how many small businesses were looted and burned from the “Justice for George Floyd” NON-protesters. Many of these business owners were already struggling from COVID19 and had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars along with their American dreams.
I immediately connected to the music and was inspired. I asked if I could work with it and see if I could do something with it.
I slowed the beats per minute and the sound became very eerie. Thoughts of billowing fires, broken glass, and millions of black people (as well as all people of color) unjustly treated for far too long, many of them brutally killed with little consequence to their perpetrators.
As the universe works, its lessons led me to write the lyrics and melody of “Through the Silence”. With Rob’s awesome composition, it was a wondrous journey.
I hope this music and video inspires you to #stopthesilence and do what ever you can in the name of justice and #blacklivesmatter.
Photo by Stephanie Valencia on Unsplash
Lyrics
Written by Skaie Knox
Stop, just for a moment,
In the silence, there’s a sound,
Close, close your eyes,
You’re on a high wire, don’t look down.
Just concentrate, try a little harder,
Can you hear? It’s everyone’s fear.
Through the silence,
Look for me there,
I’ve been waiting right here,
Through the silence, gunshots shatter,
I don’t even matter.
©2020 Splashing Mermaid Music
Video Photo Credits:
The following photos were use in the “Through the Silence” music video. All images were sourced at Unsplash.com
Appearing in order:
Gate torn down at Liquor store - Photo by Donovan Valdivia
Broken glass on corner street building - Photo by Amber Kipp
Building on Fire (b&w) - Photo by Donovan Valdivia
Empty Canadian street - trolly tracks - Photo by Laura Bilger
Man holding fist in front of fire - Photo by Donovan Valdivia
Fire at Nordstroms - Photo by Max Anderson
Burning the flag at Black Lives Matter Protest in DC, 5/31/2020 - Photo by Koshu Kunii
Woman Screaming into crowd holding “BLM” sign - Photo by Jeppe Mønster
Fire w/protester on Ladder - Photo by Koshu Kunii
“Why live in fear” sign. Photo by Rachael Henning
Crowd running from tear gas -Photo by Koshu Kunii
Police facing off with protestors - Photo by Koshu Kunii
Car on fire outside of Old Navy - Photo by Max Anderson
Huge crowd protesting together (b&w) - Photo by Koshu Kunii
Young woman standing in front of police with flowers - Photo by Koshu Kunii
Black man holding signature fist up in crowd - Photo by Mike Von
Black young boy holding “I Can’t Breathe Again” sign - Photo by Jeppe Mønster
MASSIVE crowd (b&w) #BlackLivesMatter protest in Stockholm, Sweden- Photo by Teemu Paananen
“End the Silence” sign - Photo by Mike Von
“White Silence = Violence” Girl Red - Photo by Rachael Henning
“Silence is Betrayal” Latinxs for BLM - Photo by Mike Von
“To Be Silent is to be Complicit” - Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona
“We will not be silent” - Photo by Benedikt Geyer
Unarmed - gun to head - Photo by LOGAN WEAVER
“Say their Names” with list of slain black American’s names - Photo by Chase Baker
Justice for Breonna Taylor - Photo by Maria Oswalt
Iconic graffiti mural honoring George Floyd - Photo by munshots