The Standing Man

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