The world is indeed in chaos. There’s trouble here, there and everywhere. Unexpected tragedies are not new to us anymore. From the earthquake down to health crisis, it seems every one of us has been shaken hard and tough. But those were not just the main problem. Discrimination divides people and people lived day by day with their hearts carved with hatred that is greater than a virus and without them knowing it. We live wearing our own masks of fear, pain, and suffering, and even though I can feel it and I can sense it but there’s nothing that I can do. This is what the world I see right in front of my eyes. For if this life’s cycle is just a dream, I believe I am dreaming of the worst nightmare.
One day in my every ordinary day, I decided to explore more and go beyond how far I can see the reality. I want to take someone’s point of view in life. I want to borrow someone’s shoes to see what really is going on in the world that I am living in and what would it takes on me if I try to look beyond the usual situation. And so I packed my things on a bag, tied my shoelaces, and with a heavy sigh, I marched my way to take a glimpse of what the real world looks like.
I walk down the streets of a familiar road that I knew half of my life but the difference; I will look more closely at the unknown things that matter. I walk on the street where beggars scattered on the ground kneeling and holding a can, while some weary kids running to and fro asking for food and money. I also passed by with people wearing different office suits and in a hurry. Some were waiting for the train; most of them were busy talking on the phone while others waiting patiently with headphones on. On a small corner, a group of people was drinking to their heart's content, watching news of different crimes were people getting killed and being murdered while on the other side; gangsters were having a good time while their leader is playing some tricks. On the next corner, thieves were standing so vigilant waiting for their victim. As I walk along, I saw a young girl twisting her hand to the arms of a man that is twice as her height entering a place of torment; she has a swelling face yet pretended to smile because--you know why. I saw teenagers chatting with one another, laughing while making plans to skip classes just to attend a birthday celebration, not minding the efforts of their parents who supported their financial needs. Walking beside me was an old woman who can hardly walk supported by her son on their way to the hospital for treatment. I can hear them talking about how they will pay their bills with just a little amount of money. I also watched the Cars, buses that were racing on the road and on the side of this busy street I can see children that were so care-free, playing and giggling under the heat of the sun, their smiles and cheers echo on the busy road where people forget to notice them. My attention was also caught when a loud sound echo as the Ambulance and a fire truck racing on the next lane and it seems there is someone’s life that is in trouble and another house is on fire.
I stopped in the middle of the road as I watched people passing by and I realized that the reality is telling me that everyone seems to forget the real essence of life. They were living, walking, working, drinking, and having the best time but those were just temporary and I bet when they were looking on the ceiling of their own bed before going to sleep they feel empty, unsatisfied, depressed, and alone. I guess we will still continue to ignore the fact that there is someone whom we need to call. Our usual life turns out as if there’s always a tomorrow, we live as though nothing will happen.
Contemplating with all of these realizations, I know that there’s no mathematical formula that can’t solve of this mysterious puzzle of life, I know that there is no Doctor can heal every broken heart of people I met who was walking beside me for everyone has its own burden. I know that behind every mask are the faces of pain pretending to be strong in a world where those who have power are more fortunate than the poor ones. I know that the cycle of Unfairness has been passed on from generation to generation and it will continue endlessly.
People were still passing by as I remain stiffed and heartbroken, why I had just realized it now? Why I remain blind and not knowing? Does it make a difference if my eyes have now open? Thousands of questions running on my mind, my hands were shaking and tears began to fall. For the first time, I felt weary and numb. It is not fair to say I know their pain because we have our own struggles but at that particular moment I can feel the burden of the reality of life. And it hurts because I know that I cannot make a difference alone. My realization will not guarantee that I can change every problem people are facing. And just like every unknown people on this earth, my existence is even questioned. I cannot say if I can repaint someone’s black canvas to a colorful and beautiful one. And if I can then how? Those were one of my questions.
Until a strong wind blew right in front of me and I was taken aback with my deep thoughts when I saw an unfamiliar note on the place where I was standing.
So I pick up the note and read,
“If they choose to forget me, how about you?”
And right then and there, I knew.