If Everyone Cared

I’m lying in the park, gazing up at the soft spread of branches above me. The willow tree is hiding me from everyone, its soft frond of leaves swaying like a dancer in the soft breeze. A gentle peeping lulls up and down, with the faint clinking from the stream leading to the duck-pond, further away. I can feel my heart beating so softly, so fragilely. A simple movement. I draw a slow breath as a lap of cool air washes gently around me, caressing my face and fluttering a strand of my hair. And even as I lie here, on a cool summers day with nothing but the wind and the leaves, I can’t stop my mind from thinking. Here are my reflections, fast, simple, and biting.1

If everyone cared, we wouldn’t be this way. Stop. Stand still. Take a look around you. What is wrong with our society? Look at it! Don’t look at all the shiny faces, the botoxed foreheads, the perfectly permed hair. Look at the hard hearts, the frowning smiles, and the steely love.2

Honestly, walk down a street sometime. Is there a beggar sat there, curled on the ground, waiting for a few drops of warmth to penetrate these concrete hearts and dip into our lined pockets? Most of us don’t even see them. We choose to look right on past, as though they didn’t exist… because they mark our failure, our lack of competence, that we cannot, for all our cleverness, reap enough generosity from this world to feed our people. We can grow the food just fine. Our problem is that we take more than we need, and then throw it away.3

Yes, society is fucked. But most people know that. Most people actually can see that our world is wrong. Yes, there’s good here. There’s stars that shine, hearts that love. But look at what we’ve done. Think about it. Every day we hear stories. Murders, rapes, abuse. So many now that they barely shock us. The most horrific things don’t draw a tear. We say ‘yes, it’s terrible’ and move on with our life, while out there, people’s worlds are torn apart. Sure, if we know them, it’s different. It hurts then. But until we have met them, laughed with them, cried with them, they are just people. Just some of millions in a messed up world where nothing and no one is safe.4

Let’s take it one step at a time, shall we? Murder. This crime is one showing more and more frequently. It should sicken the soul. Instead, we nod sympathetically, shudder inside, and walk away, pretending it can’t exist, pushing it away. We don’t do anything. Yes, killers are caught, locked away, keeping society safe, but nothing is done for them. We have ‘rehabilitation centres’. Who honestly changes from going in there, and coming out? How can you change when the world treats you as some stupid deranged maniac, with no more right to a decent life than a cockroach.5

What we don’t notice is that behind those killing eyes and the frightening face, is another person. When was the last time you stopped to consider what childhood friends a serial killer might have had? What girlfriends/boyfriends? Where did they grow up? What happened to them to give them this passion, this hate for life? We just think ‘they’re sick. There’s something wrong with their minds.’ and drop the subject. We distance them. Nobody wants to think how they might have grown up, what they might have gone through. It hurts me to think that for every man and woman who becomes something society deems as ‘wrong’, there is a life. There is a world taken away. 6

You cannot simply step back and blame them for what happened. It doesn’t work. Once, they were a child, nervous on their first day of school, or a little kid crying over a scraped knee. So take a closer look at them and see a person, not just a murderer. Care. Make a difference. It’s our fault they are like that. For every person, every face, there is a world, dreams, hopes, and life. So next time you see someone getting bullied at school, or punched, or beaten up, care. I’m not asking you to go intervene. But once they are alone, crying, whether inside or out, go over and make that difference. Show them a bit of beauty and make them feel like they are worthy of existence. Make them feel precious. You never know. You may be saving the life of just one person, or you might save millions. All in return for a few minutes of your time. Make that difference and show them true beauty.7

Rapes. This is a sickening and painful subject. It’s also an extremely uncomfortable one. For a woman or man to suffer that, it is breaking to the soul. Sex was made to be a loving conduct, something strong and powerful, and not a dirty use for gratification. Rape, to the victim, is horrific. No word is powerful enough to describe it. The hate to the raper is so strong. They are taking from you your most private, personal self, and taking it by force, with no care for your pain, your hurt. People probably feel equally strongly about rape as murder, or maybe more so.8

So why does it still happen? I know what people would answer: ‘because there’s still sickos out there who make it happen’… yes, it’s true. So what do we do? Lock them up? Shut them away so they can’t hurt society anymore? It would seem the obvious solution but… think about their worlds. I know. What kind of person thinks about the mind of someone who has just committed a crime like rape? They committed the crime, they deserve the consequences. But what consequences? Some would say ‘remove them from our society’…. I’m sorry, but I cannot agree. Don’t get me wrong here. I do not support rape in any way at all. It is horrific. But, like everyone, these people have an equal chance to life. They deserve better than being ruled by the simple passions of their minds. They deserve the opportunity that we have. Who says they can’t be great? Who says they can’t discover something, rescue someone, save a life or more? It is not a crime to exist. Their crimes, their actions, cannot condemn them forever.9

Abuse… my least favourite topic. I find this the hardest to deal with. Child abuse in particular. How can you justify hitting your child? How can you stand there, watching them writhe on the floor, knowing the pain you’re putting them through, knowing all you have done to them? You bring them to this world, you owe them love. I’m not saying you have to turn them into Prince’s and Princess’s, but would a little love cost you the world? If they knew, if they even had any idea how much it hurts to be told by your own parents that you aren’t worth a thought, could they ever do it? It makes me sick, it really does. And yet, even parents who do this live among us. We don’t even know. The amount of children who grow up through this abuse… some escape, but imagine the damage it causes them. I wish I could hear a parent’s account of what justifies what they do. Why do they do it????????? Anger? I don’t understand. And the worst of it is; the child will feel incompetent, stupid, clumsy, anything their parents tell them they are. With that in their hearts, the failure, the hate, what will they grow up to be? Just pray to god that they will know that it isn’t them, and it’s not their fault. I wish only that I could tell them what they are really worth, and show them that.10

I’m really tired of all these thoughts. The willow continues to sway, gentle and steady, untouched by anything. It’s not invincible, but it is strong, and beautiful. I hope it stays here for a long time, shading this spot, keeping it a safe sanctuary for all who seek the comfort of it’s boughs.11

All I can hope is that someday our world will change, and will get better. All I can do is try my best to make people’s worlds better, and show them how they shine. So, until I come back, I bid the willow farewell, touching my face to its rough bark and then pushing aside its soft curtain of sheltering leaves.12

As I walk back up the main path towards the park gates, I hear footsteps, slapping hard as feet run fast. The wind catches my hair as I spin around, just in time to see the fronds of the willow sway back into place. It could just have been the wind stirring them, but a stifled sob comes from within. I hesitate, then glance at my watch. I should be at home, doing chores. I should be working. My feet pause uncertainly, faltering on the stone, uncertain. The cracks in the concrete peep up at me, a reminder that even the strongest thing must crack eventually. Then the hesitation is gone, and my feet turn back to the tree. Today will be a day where I make someone glad to live. Today, and from now on, I will care. And one day, so will everyone. Then, there will be no more tears.13

A life is a life,14

A world is a world,15

A rose is a thing,16

Of beauty uncurled,17

Each petal divine,18

Is like a soft bed,19

Shifting so gently,20

Through soft velvet red,21

The dew is our tears,22

The thorns are a vice,23

The centre is sweet,24

But must come at a price,25

A rose will grow strong,26

So soft and so pure,27

In bitterest snow,28

The life will endure,29

So now when our world,30

Is so messed up and wrong,31

Remember to hold on,32

Our life-force is strong,33

The torment will end,34

The goodness return,35

Because, after all,36

We live and we learn.37

Author notes

Just in case anyone sees this... This story is up on here under a different user's name, yes. It's supposed to be. Anyway, I did write it, just this afternoon, so hopefully there will be no complaints about that. Hope this is alright with the contest . Oh.. I know you said the tree must have significance... Well, I'm not sure how clear it was what the significance was. I think that it's a widely accepted thing, though I'm not sure, but to me at least, a willow tree symbolises, peace, relaxation, and some sadness. So hopefully that will be ok too...

WeAreOceansAway: hope this fits alright with your contest, if not, please let me know and I'll remove it . Hopefully it will be ok though. Thanks

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Comments

1 - 31 of 31
  • IAmEmotionaless
    January 2
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    Honestly, walk down a street sometime. Is there a beggar sat there, curled on the ground, waiting for a few drops of warmth to penetrate these concrete hearts and dip into our lined pockets?-I always believe in feeding beggars than giving them money, they either waste it on drinks, or the money is taken from them by the people who waste it on drinks-so food=better.

    Most of us don’t even see them. We choose to look right on past, as though they didn’t exist… because they mark our failure, our lack of competence, that we cannot, for all our cleverness, reap enough generosity from this world to feed our people. We can grow the food just fine. Our problem is that we take more than we need, and then throw it away.-There are poorer people in this world who choose to work hard for their families as labourers, rather than just wait for people to take pity on them, and believe me, I respect the labourers more.

    Yes, I have always felt that instead of being imprisoned, criminals should be made to do social service. Like, a rapist should campaign for women's rights, or a murderer could volunteer for help in a war-torn country, but the trouble is, that it all depends on whether the criminals actually WANT to do it, because let's face it-the human mind is a powerful object, and I don't think you can actually change someone's mind. Forcing anyone to do a good deed doesn't neccessarily change their standard of morality.

    I think being bullied is the stupidest reason to murder anyone,but yes, if this is the alibi, then it does represent some damage to the murderer's psyche from repeated bullying.

    It was a good essay, but society is the best example of 'power in unity' but hopefully, more essays like yours will change it.


  • beezy92
    December 31, 2008
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    I agree. As a world (and especially as a country) we really need to get our shit together. Nice entry. There were some grammar/mispellings but that's kind of expected with a rant. (: I share the sentiment so finalist list.

    • Much-Dipstick
      December 31, 2008
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      Yeah, looking back I could see the grammar errors, and I'll try and correct them soon. It's very encouraging to see how many people agree with this and thank you very much.


  • FoxyMoxy
    December 2, 2008

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    wows Dip, that was deep! I mean i shivered all through it. You know must of us think those things but dont often voice our opinions simply because we think every one has said it all ready. I love the life you gave to it. And the way you supported the evils.
    Like um.."Rapes.....remove them from our society’…. I’m sorry, but I cannot agree. Don’t get me wrong here. I do not support rape in any way at all. It is horrific. But, like everyone, these people have an equal chance to life. They deserve better than being ruled by the simple passions of their minds. They deserve the opportunity that we have...."
    I'm a psyche major ( or will be when I finally reach college) and my professors has been having us debate on this topic recently (i'm in AP Psych). And it was weird after a whole semester of speaking about alternatives to incarceration to help ppl to get past these mental evils like racism, masochism, even serial murder... when we came to the topic of rape everyone said "Kill the bastards!" Assuming all rapists are men.

    Ok i just droned on. But anyway I really enjoyed this piece. I'm sending many of my friend links to this page so they can read it too if that's ok?

    BRavo Dippy!

    . Rewarded 8

    • Much-Dipstick
      December 3, 2008

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      Awww, thank you SO much I'm so glad you liked it and thought it's worth sending on ^^ really made me happy thanks soooooooooo soooooooooooo much

  • WeAreOceansAway
    November 10, 2008

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    I think the willow was a great part of this rant. I've always loved symbolism and not a lot of people can pull it off sucessfully, especially in a rant. Great job! You have a beautiful way of getting your point across without sounding like you were whining. Thank you for this wonderful entry. You've given me some food for thought, and your emotion was definately plan to see. Or is it feel?
    Thanks so much!


  • WhySoSirius
    November 10, 2008

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    In some ways I agree with you. In others, not so much. Let's say I meet you about halfway. A good deal of your argument is about murder and rape. They're terrible crimes. Atrocious things. Of course, I think that something must have happened to the murderers and rapists to make them do the things they've done. Of course, I think they're human, with lives and families and pasts.

    But, what I don't believe is that they can all change and become good people. There are some people who just can't change. There are people who don't WANT to change. To quote Batman (don't laugh) some men just want to watch the world burn. That's not just true of the Joker and other comic book or TV villains; there are people in this world, terrorists, murderers, just plain evil people that find the idea of a crumbling society enjoyable. It's people like that who simply cannot be allowed to be in a normal, functioning society any more.

    If you argue that other people made them this way, who made other people the way they are, or the way the were? You can trace it back further and further, but eventually, you'll come to someone who was just plain evil at heart. Maybe you'll consider that person or being to be the Devil, I don't know. But no matter the root of it, if people can't be changed from their evil ways, then they just can't be around other people. Then it would cause a chain reaction. More evil would be born, and would flourish. That would defeat the original purpose.

    As for child abuse. You say you don't understand it. Have you ever wondered if child abusers have a root, too? They went to school, were bullied, got embarassed, just like any other people. But maybe their roots aren't so different than the murderers and rapists. If you want to give THEM a chance in society, then child abusers can be given a chance as well.

    I do not, in any way, support rape, murder, or child abuse, nor do I believe in giving rapists, murderers, and child abusers second chances. I'm just raising a point.

    Other than that, I found the tree very symbolic. At first I interpreted the tree as God, and all the things that entails. I don't think your use of the willow tree was flimsy or unclear; I think it was very profound. I'm glad you used it

    Anyway, good luck in the contest!

    • Much-Dipstick
      November 11, 2008
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      Wow, thanks for such an enthusiastic comment and I found it very interesting to see your views. I have to say, I agree in some ways, but I think even the most evil person can be talked to, though obviously I've never actually tried . I have talked to a sadist, but that's different. I'm glad you liked the tree ; I was hoping the symbolism on that was strong enough. Thanks soooooooooooo much for reading and commenting

  • On.Cue
    November 1, 2008

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    I'm not quite sure if the tree's significance can be seen clearly but it's there in a haze...

    Other than that, I really enjoyed your writing & I pretty much agree with 94% of what you said.

    • Much-Dipstick
      November 1, 2008
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      Glad you liked it and thanks very much for your comment. I agree that maybe the tree could have had more part; perhaps there was too much symbolism behind it and not enough practical purpose. Anyway, thanks very much.

  • Luckyk
    October 18, 2008

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    I saw this and immediately started to sing the song...I guess that's why i clicked it....Pretty well written...I enjoyed it a lot. Covered most of the issues in society, which I liked. Good to know some people are looking for a change.

    . Rewarded 4

    • Much-Dipstick
      October 18, 2008
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      thanks very much for reading and commenting. I'm glad you liked it. ^_^

  • TwilightTimelord
    October 18, 2008

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    I loved this! It was really well-written, and I loved at the end where the person goes back to comfort the one under the tree (not my most well-written sentence ).

    . Rewarded 4

  • Scott Chason
    October 17, 2008

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    I mean... I did enjoy your story and everything, but did you read what this contest is about? You did not even come close to having anything remotely to do with Game related fantasy. I enjoyed this, i really did, but will be forced to remove it from the contest because i only have five spots, and this has nothing to do with what i asked for. Game Related Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons. You know, elves, dragons, swords, goblins... shit like that. Come on. Read the contest.

    • Much-Dipstick
      October 17, 2008
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      *dies of embarrasment* omg I clicked the wrong thing... X_X sorry!!! Gah, so sorry! I wasted your time... serious apologies!

  • Neolittlefish
    October 17, 2008

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    You tell 'em! I agreed with everything you said. Become the priminister and sort out this messed up world! you'd do a pretty good job!

    • Much-Dipstick
      October 17, 2008
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      Hehe, I doubt that very much and I think the pressure would become too much, though it would certainly be interesting, and I'm glad to know people agree with me. It's good to know we're not alone ^_^ and I'm hoping for a brighter future . Thanks very much

  • Wildpaw-Lily
    September 25, 2008

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    Whoo! U TELL THE PEOPLE OF SOCIETY! I agree so much with this but one thing......What about animal abuse those poor, poor, creatures they are so Kawaii! yes our society is fucked! Not only the stuff you mentioned also the freedom...everyone has a path b4 they are born in this society...school...more school...university/college...job...then they just do that for the rest of their lives. Lastly I'd like to mention the most fucked thing of all...MONEY! thats what drives people insane! ITS PAPER AND METAL GET OVER IT! (if only i were a cat, no worries...except humans) Yay ok im done with my ramble...

    • Much-Dipstick
      September 25, 2008
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      Heh, I certainly did miss a lot of stuff out, lol, trying to keep it short wasn't so good. I certainly agree with the money thing though, definitely true. Lol. Thanks so much for reading .


  • Black Dragon15
    September 20, 2008

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    With those few words, you have said almost everything I've been thinking for so long...

    Beautifully written. Your thoughts are strong and powerful, and oh so true. It seems people have stopped caring. Have stopped trying to care. Hopefully your message will wake them up.

    Amazing work! Good luck in the contest, and good luck trying to make a difference!

    . Rewarded 6

  • Parnam123
    September 20, 2008
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    Nice!!!!

    Wow!

  • Darkess
    September 20, 2008

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    marvelous

    this was really touching, sad, and so horrifically true.You did a great job with it, and made me actually deeply want to care about the world around me.
    Great job!
    Keep writing!
    ~.~

    • Much-Dipstick
      September 20, 2008
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      I'm so glad I made a difference, and so glad you liked it. ! That's really really great to know. Thanks so much for your comment!

  • angellove
    September 20, 2008

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    This is deep

    I would have to say I agree with you on many issues here. I have a different view of the world though. I've heard of profound miracles happening, of lives restored even today as all this terrible stuff is happening. It is all too sad that good news is no news. I only wish that people could hear the news I've heard from missionaries in many different places in the world.

    Well, to add something to this terrible nature of the world, I thought of abortion. There are over 40 million people who never had a chance to live. I heard an interview on Focus on the Family with a woman who had been born anyway after a botched abortion. It was a remarkable interview. I am also convinced that these women are not to be chastised for this decision, they will already have death heavy on their hearts when they think of all the days that that child could have been.

    I volunteer at the local jail and host a writer's group. It is a part of a transition program for inmates. It's a new idea, but there is a specific community in the jail where the inmates can get help with anger and addiction issues. The program isn't perfect, but it's a good start for change in the jail system.

    Thanks for sharing your views and God's speed to you in the contest.

    God bless you.
    Write On!
    Beth

    • Much-Dipstick
      September 20, 2008
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      I must thank you for such an in-depth reply. I'm surprised I missed abortion, because it is indeed such a strong subject in our society... Maybe because I haven't encountered it personally. Anyway... thanks so much for this review. Your volunteer job sounds fascinating, really. Do you feel you make much progress with them? I hope it does make a difference, because our jail system is really somewhat screwed at the moment. I have to admit, this is one of my more gloomy writes. Normally, when writing about the world, I try to keep it positive. I think this was inspired from another contest. Anyway, thanks very very much for this comment; I really like it when people take time over, and really consider what they're saying. . I'll return the read gladly. Do you have anything specific you would like me to read, or shall I choose something randomly. Thanks again!

  • Noodle.
    September 20, 2008
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    Pretty~

1 - 31 of 31