In this midst of this COVID-19 pandemic The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life invited members of the Smith community to reflect on the concept of liberation; what does it mean, how is it embraced, what can it illuminate? Smithies never cease to amaze us. These are three awe-inspiring responses. Enjoy!
liberation
in the depths of each trouble
there is a solution until there is
a solution to be found
when you get to that door
some of us stand small, reluctant to ask for help
while for others glide in as if there is no lock
only a flowing curtain to pass as you please
inside this room, you will find
the wind that rushes past your hair, leaving whizzing in your ears
the power of a strength-induced stride
the smell of tickled grass that has danced in the rain
the perfectly flattened, skipping pebble that ran across the lake
the warmth of golden light rediscovering each pore of your face
in this room, you will see
the pull of melted chocolate in a freshly broken cookie
the satisfaction of a perfectly whipped peak
the spatula-scraped, tongue-licked bowl that is far cleaner than any soap could wash
in this room, you will face
the stomach-aching sobs that wrenched your bones dry
the race in the pelting rain that cut into your skin as your wounds cut out
the justice-filled roar demanding the injustice to be shivered into each soul
in this room, you will hear
the silent tears that knew no company
the invisible pain that hid behind smiles
the internal fight that chose each day
in this room, you will seek
strength to fill the marrow of your bones
self-forgiveness to wrap your heart
and, of course, a night-light to lift the societal misjudged dark
in this room, you will choose
Liberation, because
knowledge is knowing you are worth fighting for
wisdom is remembering you ignite life
and happiness is spending each breath fighting to be free
Uzma Malik ‘22 (she/her)is interested in pursuing the intersection of health, psychology, and advocacy of the Middle East. She is part of CRSL’s Interfaith Student Advisory Board and serves as the Social Justice, and Equity Representative for Al-Iman.
Liberation
Liberation is
When everyone is safe
When everyone is fed
When everyone is housed
When everyone has healthcare
When everyone is accommodated
When everyone is seen
When everyone is heard
When everyone listens
Liberation is not
Eagles flying
Flags waving
Prisons containing
Laws oppressing
Guns shooting
Bombs falling
Liberation is believing in the truth of each other’s experiences
Liberation is acting in service to others
Liberation is eradication of privilege and power
Liberation is restorative justice
Liberation is elevating your safety over my comfort
Liberation is a neverending process.
Toby Davis ’03 (he/him) is an Inclusion Education Trainer/Facilitator in the Office for 
Equity and Inclusion. He has been connected to the CRSL in one way or another since he attended Sunday School in Bodman Lounge in the ‘80s. Most recently, he is delighted to be a colleague and co-conspirator with the Center.
Liberation
“Liberation is the like of love
She feels like the brightness of a thousand moons
yet her rays are soft
When love fills you
You see how the world becomes still.
You can finally watch her and you’re the only one in the crowd
In all that she is and can be
You’re at the mercy of her splenditude
The willful submission of her spontaneity
Love feels different
This liberation feels calm
In all the right places she fits
No opening untethered
Liberated in the limitless of her unending love
Its sticky and like honey and you wish to make last for a lifetime
Liberation is knowing
that your thousand splendid moons
And the dandelions you roar through
is everything you are deserving of
So let yourself be intoxicated by the possibility
As rich as the finest silk
Is the basin of her love
A day will come where the pain that blinded you
And the horizons you longingly looked over
Will breakthrough with the light of her arrival
For man,
real Love is our liberation
Be soft to her glad tidings.”
Yacine Diama Fall’ 21 is a Biochemistry and African Studies major, active in Al-Iman and Student Government. She is very passionate about social change on campus and in the world.