Everyone always seems to have an opinion
Thinking that what they have to say matters most
Putting in their two cents when nobody asked
Whatever happened to lending an ear, to listening?
Whatever happened to speaking only when necessary?
Why is there a need to fill the void?
Why are words spoken when nothing need be said?

The silence can be deafening
But it can also be tranquil, full of peace
A reprieve from the fake news cycle
A brief moment of reflection and contemplation
A moment of silence where we can be together
Soak in each other’s presence and be at peace
You didn’t ask for my opinion, you didn’t ask me to speak
All you needed was an ear to hear
All you needed was for me to be there

So that is what I’ll give
If there’s more I can do, you’ll let me know
But I won’t make this about myself
I won’t say, “don’t worry. I’ve been there before.”
I won’t say, “I know your pain.”
I won’t equate my situation with yours

For even though there may be similarities
Our stories are not the same
Each one is unique
Each individual has different tools 
Each individual walks a different path
We have our similarities and our differences 
We can leave it at that

I will be there to comfort those who are hurting
I will be there to show that I care
I will listen first, and speak later
Because all I need to do is show that I’m there

The silence can be deafening, but no words need be spoken
I won’t fill the air with noise if you’re feeling broken
I will listen first, and embrace you afterwards
I will speak if necessary but I won’t prattle without a care
You know that I’ll be there
I’m always there to listen
Always willing to lend an ear

The silence may be deafening
But it’s better than words thrown around without care
Sometimes all you need is a shoulder to cry on
An ear to hear
Opinions don’t matter when all you need is care
So shut up and listen
Don’t feel the need to fill the air
Listen first and just be there
Lend your ear and go from there