Along fractured bones of a broken system.

Across racial lines on cracked skin.

Through tunnels dripping with oil and the blood of soldiers used as pawns in a game of Risk.

Between silent cries of mothers separated from babies, traumas inked in their soft delicate skin.

Among strong yet scarred women, branded by testosterone-laden mysogeny, wondering if potential could be realized without the transgressions of an unqualified man.

In jarring words of hate and contempt, spat out of misguided souls driven by fear and illiteracy.

At the intersection of awareness to truth and the ease of convenient lies, paths unclear for those wanting comfort instead of realness.

Confrontation of pain requires bravery and outspokenness, a conviction to truth and strength in the wake of bigotry, patriarchy, and authoritarian tendencies.

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, National borders and sensitivities become irrelevant.

Elie Weisel