I am lounging on my bed, gazing out of the window at the blue sea and sky. From here I can see not only our sprawling town, but also the first city in the neighbouring country on the horizon.
Right here, under my immediate gaze, are tens of thousands of lives. Daily we tarry on, completely oblivious to one another.
Kneeling in the mosque for Jummah at lunchtime amongst crowds of strangers, this thought occurred to me: “My opinions really don’t matter at all.”
Why invite trolls and mischief makers into my life for the sake of expressing myself? Why wander into public when others stand ready to cut you down?
It’s all fun and games until it gets serious, when maniacs respond to their deranged calling, taking actions into their own hands to defend whatever cause they believe in.
The safety of my family is more important to me than the need to express myself. And so the time has come to do something different. To write for myself alone, if at all.
I will miss the friends I’ve made writing in public the past two decades. Perhaps we can find some other way to stay in touch.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter. I am just one soul amongst eight billion others. Whatever occurs to me is of little worth. If I do not say it, will anyone be harmed?
It is time to retreat and withdraw. Let’s consider this adios. Safe journey.
Last modified: 4 August 2023
