Silence like a cancer grows

The Sound of Silence Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again, Because a vision softly creeping, Left its seeds while I was sleeping, And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence. In restless dreams I walked alone Narrow streets of cobblestone, 'Neath the halo of a street lamp, I turned my collar to the cold and damp When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night And touched the sound of silence. And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more. People talking without speaking, People hearing without listening, People writing songs that voices never share And no one dare Disturb the sound of silence. "Fools" said I, "You do not know Silence like a cancer grows. Hear my words that I might teach you, Take my arms that I might reach you." But my words like silent raindrops fell, And echoed In the wells of silence. And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning, In the words that it was forming. And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls And tenement halls. And whisper'd in the sounds of silence. " - Paul Simon - "Wednesday Morning 3A.M.", 1964 I've had this song stuck in my head for days. When I went back and really read the words, how true they rang. If those of us who can, do not speak out for the ones that cannot and we fail to reach out to the ones who need it..we risk spreading this disease of apathy. How many times have you seen or heard something that bothered you, but failed to act or say anthything due to fear of ridicule if you were wrong? I know I have. I hope that I may absolve myself of that failure if that is at all possible, by doing all I can now. The strong must care for the weak in order for humankind to survive. Whatever may be near to your heart, whether it be animals, prisoners of concience or children in need..please take a moment, just a moment, to extend a hand. It may be financial, time, writing letters or just a kind word to someone you know who needs it. It will make a difference. I've been on the receiving end, and have never forgotten an act of kindness extended to me...now matter how small. It will remain with me for the rest of my life.