www.archangelinitiativeinc.com - Veterans Advocacy
Light will always triumph over darkness, but you have to allow the light to shine in.
“The Darkness of Silence”
Music written by Paul Simon
Why no visual images accompanying the song?
Permission for audio only was given by BMI; however, “in order to use music in conjunction with visual images” I needed permission from the “music publisher(s) and record label for synchronization rights." I had actually corresponded with the extremely talented director Matt Mahurin regarding an accompanying visualization. Mr. Mahurin directed Disturbed’s cover of The Sound of Silence as well as many, many other projects. He was extremely kind and gracious, but hitting the roadblock with Paul Simon ended any opportunity for an amazing and powerful visualization. I will not put a slide show together either, as BMI made it clear that a license would be required for visualization but the audio was fine to post. I would rather get the message out with just an audio than not at all.
Disclaimer:
The lyrics to this song were written and performed by a veteran, in hopes of offering a better understanding of PTSD and to address the stigma associated with it.
The Stigma of PTSD:
PTSD affects people in different ways; there is not a simple set of symptoms that every individual has, although society has tried very hard to create a mold. As a result, we have ended up with stereotypes and fear; but that is not what PTSD is about and because of these stereotypes and fears, many people choose to suffer in silence instead of accepting help.
There are many symptoms of PTSD, some subtle and some very apparent. A lot of times, especially for my peers, it brings a sense of longing to be back in the fray, or it brings isolation after being a part of something for so long and then no longer being a part of that collective but instead, being thrust in to this “civilian” world of inefficiencies and poor decisions that are made, not based on the people, or even the team, but instead, for profits.
The Reason for the Lyrics:
For so many people that deal with these thoughts, it is almost impossible to convey their feelings; and to burden loved ones with this weight is not desirable.
I will say that I have been on the edge of the abyss, and while on the edge I shared my concerns and immediately paid a high price for sharing my story, due to stereotypes and the stigma associated with PTSD. The price had dire results and the bonds keeping me from going over the edge of the abyss were stripped away and I was left with nothing to keep me from falling, except for one thin string; and that was to prevent this from happening to other people.
Too many people are afraid of the stigma, and rightly so. This results in self-medication and other dangerous paths that can lead to family problems, legal problems, and can unfortunately for too many, it can lead to suicide.
If this helps a single person to deal with their struggle, or to be able to explain their struggle to others, than it has served its purpose.
“The Darkness of Silence”
Hello darkness, my old friend
I see you've come to me again
You come to me while I sleep at night
I will not give up without a fight
and the images that are planted in my brain
they still remain, when I'm alone, in silence
In restless dreams I stalk my prey
I cannot make you go away
images that flash before my mind
I toss and turn but peace I cannot find
And I rise awake
grasping for some reality
It's peace I seek
And suffer alone, in silence
And in the early light I saw
Ten thousand veterans, maybe more
Soldiers suffering without speaking
People listening without hearing
Veterans having thoughts
that they will never share
and they won't dare
while they suffer…in silence
Fools, said I, "you do not know
in the silence demons grow
I drink so that I might kill the pain
Its something that I just cannot explain
It’s a burden that no one else should bare
And so I suffer… in silence
and the people say they sympathize
but they can’t see this through my eyes
and for many it brings the end
The pain to great to even comprehend
These feelings that we have
Remain with us night and day, they don't go away
As we suffer in silence
Негізгі бет The Darkness of Silence
Пікірлер: 37