Femke thinks about what is happening in the world.
‘We’ll go on’, the song by Ramses Shaffy, has been ringing in my head for the past few days. As I write this, it’s like war in Ukraine and the images I see on TV and social media go to the marrow. There is, of course, no question that this is an unprecedented tragedy that changes history in a very different way. But it also feels like there’s a continuous stream of misery going on.
In my experience there were also sometimes ‘boring’ periods. With news that might have touched us at the moment, but not five minutes later. Since corona I experience little rippling water, have you?
In my perception it went like this: corona, corona, corona, Peter R .de Vries, the Taliban in Afghanistan, The Voice of Holland, a hostage situation on Leidseplein where we saw someone get run over and then Putin attacked Ukraine. Oh, and in between there was also an alarming climate report that only proclaims more natural disasters if we don’t take very drastic measures.
You will understand that this time I am unable to get something frivolous out of my pen or to write another column about my autistic son. We’re about to get to the point where you’re starting to wonder if it wasn’t stupid and irresponsible to start having children in the first place. If we can’t keep the world intact/peaceful/safe for our descendants, what are we doing?
Do I sound dramatic? Yes, I’m in such a mood. I had a very day off today. Child had to go to school and then went out to play so I made plans. I had a hundred things to do, but I did nothing but sleep. Just close your eyes and dream about beautiful things. About harmony, peace, blooming nature, friendship, love, smiling children and people who help each other.
Let’s cherish what we have. Let’s look after each other more. Let’s show solidarity with people in need. Let’s get rid of the misery little by little. We have no choice but to put our shoulders to the wheel. If not for ourselves, then for our children.
We shall go on
when no one expects more
that we continue again
in a speechless night.
Femke Sterken (41) is a freelance journalist. She lives with Oscar and son Nathan (8) in Ouderkerk.