on the turning away

"On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
'Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away'
 
"It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
 
"On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
 
"No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?"
(lyrics from "On the Turning Away" by Pink Floyd)
 
What about me? Am I ...
Turning away from the pain and darkness of society?
Turning away from the social injustices?
Turning away from poverty and devastation?
Insulating myself against the problems of our world?
Singing myself to sleep?
 
Or am I ...
Turning toward awareness and consciousness?
Turning toward involvement and activism?
Paying attention?
Awakening?
Being alive?

May we ever be ...
Opening our eyes.
Opening our hearts.
Opening our minds.
Opening our hands.
Embracing the pain and sorrow of the pale and downtrodden.
Coming alongside the weak and the weary, 
the tattered and torn, the battered and bruised.
In compassion, just being present.

Posted in: Living with open hands