Revolution Lite

How can you make yourself be heard
Without writing or saying a single word?

I had a crazy light bulb moment in the middle of the night
To demonstrate while safe at home by simply turning on a light.
Just set a time, say 9pm. One minute before turn off your lights.
Then at nine, switch them on again and watch from your window
Tonight - and night by night – slowly, the lights will grow,
Knowing that at nine you no longer need to feel alone.

You might not take to the streets - that would take more courage.
But showing solidarity at least might eventually encourage
This modest demonstration to become a silent revolution,
Supported by the masses, bringing light into the darkness,
A silent protest seen by all, a vote for peace, a vote for us.
A vote to show that people power is far greater than theirs.

Call it Revolution Lite. It will have to happen for many nights
Until everybody knows. But they can’t arrest everyone at home,
Just because you have coincidentally turned on a few lights!

Then maybe we choose a day to stay at home, Covid let’s say.
A “sickie”, a national day of unity, when no one goes outside,
No one on the streets, no cars on the roads, no one out to play.
The opposite of protests on the streets and getting broken bones.
Showing the people’s strength by their absence.
In 1968 Galich wrote “Petersburg Romance”.
When the time is right. The people will know.
Then the streets and squares will overflow.