Blindfolds Quote by Andrea Gibson
“..when a war ends, what does that look like exactly? do the cells in the body stop detonating themselves? does the orphanage stop screaming for its mother? when the sand in the desert has been melted down to glass and our reflection is not something we can stand to look at does the white flag make for a perfect blindfold? yesterday i was told a story about this little girl in Iraq, six-years-old, who cannot fall asleep because when she does she dreams of nothing but the day she watched her dog eat her neighbor's corpse. if you told her war is over do you think she can sleep?”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The War Inside" by Andrea Gibson, 2015
The quote questions the lingering trauma of war, how physical and emotional wounds persist long after conflict ends, and the difficulty of healing for those who have suffered extreme violence.
In simple terms: War leaves lasting scars that don't disappear when fighting stops.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address hidden trauma.
Themes
war
trauma
healing
memory
psychology
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- refugee counseling
- mental health support
- peacebuilding workshops
- educational curricula on conflict resolution
Key Concepts
post‑traumatic stress
collective memory
human suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies better support child survivors of war?
- What does true peace look like for those still grieving?
A Different Perspective
Healing is a long process requiring societal support, not just a declaration of peace.
