The standing man
fills the square
with his silence
as a prayer, a plea,
a peaceful affront
to the violent protest
The standing man
still and regal
as a statue,
his quiet vigil
a solemn salute
to the truth.
The standing man
without scream or siren
is dangerous
like a sword in a sheath,
powerful as a punch
pummelling the gut.
The standing man
a picture with the force
of a thousand words,
a no that can’t
be quelled
with shouts or shots.
The standing man
no longer one,
a priest to pilgrims
he has become
hundreds;
their silent stand
the loudest sound,
the most moving act of all.
Erdem Gunduz’s protest
©Siobhán Mc Laughlin
