Can You Hear It?

Can you hear it?
No? Try again. Turn down the music.

Can you hear it?
Still no? Turn off the cell phone. Don't worry, they'll call back.

Can you hear it?
Hmmm. Okay, we gotta leave. Your house, these walls, these things. It's out there, and it must be heard.

Can you hear it?
Your books won't help you. Nor your laptops.

Can you hear it?
Further now. Let's get away from the noise and the chatter.

Can you hear it?
Those prescriptions, subscriptions and memberships can't get it done. Leave behind your cards.

Can you hear it?
It sounds familiar? Sure, but you've never heard it before.

Can you hear it?
Have you been taught about it? I'm sure you have, but this is a time to listen, not learn.

Can you hear it?
You have to hear it.

Listen.

All is still.... Listen.

It's faint.

It's coming from the desert.

He is singing.

Listen hard. No water makes one's voice crack. Still, he is singing.

"You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry."

It's the song of a yet to be crowned king.

Can you hear it?

Over there in the field. There are many voices. They are deep and soulful.
No, not the laughing voices, the singing ones.

"Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home"

The song of a stolen family.

Can you hear it?

It's getting louder now.

It's coming from that old building, the one with the fancy glass.

It's coming from that street corner.

That auditorium, that hotel, that classroom.

Hear the guitars, drums and turntables.

Hear the pianos, organs and harps.

It's echoing in beautiful cathedrals.

It's rising above crying children and gun shots.

Over there

"We will overcome"

Over there

"Be thou my vision"

And there

"Blessed be the name of the Lord"

(pause)
Can you hear it?

Your phone, it's ringing.
Your email is chirping.
Your TV is blaring.

Which choir will you join?

Can you hear it?

--Jeremiah Nealon