Protest, by Rena Willis

The Burning of the Custom House, by William James Müller (UK) 1832

Protest

The crowd turned in a frenzy sweeping up everything in its path, and we couldn’t stop it or avoid it. We tried to push back or shelter or escape it, but there were bodies everywhere and everyone in a panic, and we couldn’t see, and we choked on the fumes and our eyes watered from the tear gas, and we stumbled and fell and grabbed arms and legs and dragged ourselves forward. But we couldn’t hold on, and so they trampled us, stepping on our hands and backs, and we screamed, but the crowd absorbed the sound – our faces frozen in terror and our good intentions smashed to dust under the boots of our neighbours and the butts of rifles swung from the hands of not-quite children. And we prayed, but no one was listening.

Rena Willis

Rena was born and raised in California, but has since lived, loved and worked all over the world. She is a passionate writer and educator. She loves new ideas and encourages different perspectives. Her actions reflect her philosophy of responsibility, respect, and innovation in an environment where quality and inclusivity go hand in hand. She strives to make a positive difference in her community and in the world. She believes we succeed together.