listen
to the heart-pounding music of a listless insomniac.
listen
to the slam of the door belonging to a restless bird preparing to take flight.
listen
to the child who locks himself in his room where nobody can hear him cry.
listen
to the soul trying its best to put itself back together, but failing.
listen
to the thrashing of a dream being held in a bottle.
listen
to the deathly screams of wings falling away after years of mistreatment and unuse.
listen
to the violence of a heart ripping itself to pieces.
listen
to even the thickest of skins giving into everyone else.
listen
to all of the voices bleeding together into one blaring cry for help.
listen
to the unrest of over seven billion people.
just stop
and listen.

but also listen
to the paper peeling off of a bandage as it begins to heal even the most broken hearted people.
listen
to the first gasp of fresh air after a long winter.
listen
to the courageous words of a timid mouse as he stands up for what he believes in.
listen
to the fast beating of two hearts as they discover each other.
listen
to the calm music of warmth and belonging.
listen
to the silent smiles exchanged by those who care.
listen
to the uncontrollable laughter of a carefree child.
listen
to the hopeful song of a new tree as it grows its leaves for the first time.
listen
to the soft murmuring of birds echoing through the sky.
listen
to the beauty and joy of over seven billion people.
just stop
and listen.