As an English Literature student and a lover of books and someone who thinks of themselves as in at least some way a writer, I have never been entirely comfortable with the idea that words are not enough. 'A picture paints a thousand words' apparently, but if we're throwing around proverbs, personally I always fell more on the side of 'The pen is mightier than the sword'.
But in times like this, the the aftermath of events like those in Paris last night... It is in times like these that it does seem that there are no words for the horror and pure tragedy that has hit. As someone who lives by and through the written word I desperately wish to throw myself into writing yet every word I pen seems hollow and empty in the devastation left by the events of Friday night.
I have had to conclude that perhaps it is not that words are not enough, rather than we as humans is not yet ready for words, not yet. Not while everything is still so raw and fresh. Perhaps a better writer than I could put into words the heartbreak for Paris, for France and for all of humanity that I feel today. Personally I do not feel qualified or talented enough to put a voice to this.
I do feel that there is part of all this that we must be careful not to overlook. Over the past 24 hours I have seen my social media feeds flooded with words and pictures of support and solidarity with the French people. Yet I have also seen many people on social media sharing the phrase ‘I see humans but no humanity’.
I can't help but disagree. Perhaps it is pure naivety on my part but I cannot help but think that right now acts of humanity burn brighter than ever. Last night I was brought to tears looking through the hashtag PorteOuverte on twitter - filled with the people of Paris opening they arms to anyone who needed somewhere to stay. Taxis stopped charging, offering to drive people home for free. Sikh Gurdwaras opened their doors to anyone who needed somewhere safe to shelter. This morning photos have been tweeted of the queues of people waiting to donate blood for the many people in critical condition.
The pure kindheartedness of the people in Paris and all over the world brought a small glimmer of hope the the darkness that was Friday night. Of course it could not take away the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones, nothing can take that away. But simple acts of humanity shine brightly all around the world today and for that I feel incredibly grateful.
Who am I to make sweeping statements about humanity, especially at times like these. But I like to think - I really do hope - that it through each other and through humanity that we will survive,
Perhaps words are not enough in times like these. But maybe it is as close as we can get.
But in times like this, the the aftermath of events like those in Paris last night... It is in times like these that it does seem that there are no words for the horror and pure tragedy that has hit. As someone who lives by and through the written word I desperately wish to throw myself into writing yet every word I pen seems hollow and empty in the devastation left by the events of Friday night.
I have had to conclude that perhaps it is not that words are not enough, rather than we as humans is not yet ready for words, not yet. Not while everything is still so raw and fresh. Perhaps a better writer than I could put into words the heartbreak for Paris, for France and for all of humanity that I feel today. Personally I do not feel qualified or talented enough to put a voice to this.
I do feel that there is part of all this that we must be careful not to overlook. Over the past 24 hours I have seen my social media feeds flooded with words and pictures of support and solidarity with the French people. Yet I have also seen many people on social media sharing the phrase ‘I see humans but no humanity’.
I can't help but disagree. Perhaps it is pure naivety on my part but I cannot help but think that right now acts of humanity burn brighter than ever. Last night I was brought to tears looking through the hashtag PorteOuverte on twitter - filled with the people of Paris opening they arms to anyone who needed somewhere to stay. Taxis stopped charging, offering to drive people home for free. Sikh Gurdwaras opened their doors to anyone who needed somewhere safe to shelter. This morning photos have been tweeted of the queues of people waiting to donate blood for the many people in critical condition.
The pure kindheartedness of the people in Paris and all over the world brought a small glimmer of hope the the darkness that was Friday night. Of course it could not take away the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones, nothing can take that away. But simple acts of humanity shine brightly all around the world today and for that I feel incredibly grateful.
Who am I to make sweeping statements about humanity, especially at times like these. But I like to think - I really do hope - that it through each other and through humanity that we will survive,
Perhaps words are not enough in times like these. But maybe it is as close as we can get.
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| 'while there is still time' - Philip Larkin |
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