When the words ran out
At lunch, I stopped by McDonald's to buy a coffee. The place buzzed with lively schoolchildren. Suddenly, everything went silent.
It was a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic mass shooting here in Sweden last week. The silence that ensued spoke volumes, conveying more than any words could have.
It was both beautiful and sad.
Something about that silence lingered for the rest of the day. Partly a reminder of life's fragility. But also a reminder of how eloquent silence can communicate.
Sometimes, when words fail us, it is in that shared silence that we find connection and consolation.
In Örebro, where the tragedy occurred, thousands of people had gathered at Stortorget. A memorial service was held with speeches and music to honor the victims. A newly written poem, "When the words ran out" by Örebro resident Michael Horwath, was read aloud. It ended with:
"Now we must hold each other, without hands if necessary. Because now the words have run out."