Drowning Out the Silence

Silence resounds
Almost deafening in our classroom
But they're not silent
For the reasons that I am
They are silent because
There's not talking during a test.
I'm silent because
I want to end the silence
But, now that I think about it, isn't saying nothing sort of saying nothing? I feel a little stirring in my chest, like I've just figured out something uncomfortable. I stare down at the numerous questions that await my solving on the white test paper before me. Furrowing my brows, I run a hand through my hair.

There is a scuffling sound to my right, followed by an eruption of hushed giggles. Of course, this is all followed closely by the whispered venom, "faggot". A deep-rooted anger for such ignorant degradation boils in my stomach. I whip around to see four lanky boys with cocky smiles. I glare daggers and open my mouth to tell them off (with something of rapier wit, I assure you) but my lips only tug at the silver adhesive stuck to them.

Literally silenced</b>, I turn back around and leer fury into my desk. Silence! Who came up with this?! Why am I being silent – of all things – when the only way to correct the problem at hand is to speak against it?! They say we represent the people who were silenced due to the homophobia that is prevalent in society today. But, I think to myself, is this really what they would have wanted – for us to choose to be silent, when we have a voice to use? I'm thinking not.

You can fight fire with fire, but fighting silence with silence is pretty counterfuckingproductive if you ask me.

I rip the duct tape off of my lips in frustration and look down at my rainbow wristband, remembering all those who have fought for the symbol - people who commit social suicide strung up on a rainbow rope. Well, I'm not going to stay silent any longer. If actions speak louder than words, than I'm going to sure as hell drown out the silence.

One voice can carry if it has meaning.