My Heart is Broken (Photo and Reflection)

I've been working over this piece in my head for about 4-5 months now (this is the second attempt at the photo, my first attempt didn't convey what I was trying to convey), and the idea has intensified with the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic.  This is a lament piece primarily lamenting the current cultural and political climate in the United States.

Though the words of the reflection are all my own I need to give a nod to Evanescence's 2011 song 'My Heart is Broken' written after Amy Lee and her husband got involved in an organization that helps rescue victims of sex trafficking, which is where my titling of my piece came from. Video here.

My Heart Is Broken

By: Gregory A. Gilbert

My heart is broken

For lack of compassion when compassion is preached

For those teaching peace and practicing hate

For those who state life but only for few (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of trust in those most trustworthy

For those who hold onto misunderstanding over humility

For those who value tradition more than honest inquiry (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of mercy to those who are hurting

For those who mock sensitivity while being more sensitive than those they accuse

For those who shatter others who threaten their own fragilities (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of love to those who love most

For those who accuse of what they secretly practice themselves

For those who wash their hands in ignorance of all they have done (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of concern for truth

For those who respect views only matching their own

For those who speak the loudest which they least understand (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of love to those who are other

For those who condemn what they cannot experience

For those who are disgusted by their own misinterpretation (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken

My heart is broken

For lack of acceptance of responsibility

For those who present toxicities as the moral standard for life

For those who claim compassion while inflicting malice (which they fervently deny)

My heart is broken, my heart is broken, my heart is broken.