Words Speak Louder Than You Think

Almost everyone knows the quote “actions speak louder than words”, but does it really? Sure, actions can hurt people physically, but words mean and hurt more mentally. Words can do a lot of things that violence and actions can do but in a more mature way of expressing one’s opinion.

Words can definitely change the way people think and feel in an instant. There are many writings now and in the past that influenced people such as Gandhi and Dr. King’s speeches. They both mentioned the idea of nonviolence and how effective it is compared to the act of violence. They both got their point across and had many nonviolence followers who also helped spread the idea of resistance and nonviolence.

Many poets on the site “Poets Against War” including June Jordan have expressed their opinions about war and violence. My favorite poem that I have read so far on the site is called “Speak Out” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. In his poem, he talks about the war with the third world countries that attacked America. Slowly, everyone is dying because no one is brave enough to speak out. Ferlinghetti is saying that if we don’t speak out with our words, the violence will continue. The majority needs to step up and express how they feel in a nonviolent way. If they do, then somehow a solution will arise and stop the war.

In brief, writing does have the power to enact social change. Writing involves thinking and expressing your opinions in a way that actions can’t do. Sure, brutality and bloodshed can be hard to forget, but words remain forever.

The Price of a Child

April 27, 1856

Dear Tyree,

How are you and everyone else? I hope you are alright especially with what happened around the time I left you and your family. I have never fully expressed the happiness I have experienced after being freed and spending time with your family, especially you. All my life, I have been mentally and physically tortured because of my status of being a slave. Tyree…you and the others have made me go through many upbeat feelings that I thought I would never get to feel while being Pryor’s. I appreciate everyone’s help.

Because of you and your family, I have been able to start my new life in New York with Mattie and Etta. Etta is getting better at playing the piano everyday and Mattie is getting better at writing. Now, I feel like an actual family with my children. They have learned so much, thanks to your help. All we’re missing is Bennie and a father figure. I want that father figure to be you. The time we spent together has been very memorable and I will cherish them. I hope the problems in your family get solved and you will come and live with us. I know I sound selfish and greedy, but throughout my life, I have never found someone like you. You can make me open up and express myself in different ways, the person I have kept locked up in my heart to protect myself.

As of right now, I am trying to come up with a plan to get Bennie back. He’s probably sleeping or playing near that cruel woman! Ugh, just the thought of Pryor’s wife disgusts me. I’m just scared that she has sold my baby to some other demented person who would use him as a slave. He’s only five and I don’t want him to suffer the horrific things that I went through as a slave.

I know it’s a lot to ask of you since you’re still probably upset with the death of your father, but can you help me this last time? I need you to help me get to Virginia. My plan is to bring Etta and Mattie to live with your family for a while until I can get Bennie back. It really hurts me knowing that he is somewhere else with someone I despise.

I can’t thank you enough for helping me since the moment my children and I were freed. You took care of us like one of your own, giving me gifts and money to start a new life. With the money you gave me, I hope I can get Bennie back. Once I start working, I hope I can earn enough to come and visit everyone once in a while and repay you.

I hope you get this letter soon because I want to see you again. Plus, these few months are the best time to travel to Virginia. I miss you as a friend and lover. Hopefully, you can reply back and tell me how everything is going with everyone.

Sincerely,

Mercer Gray