“Silence is never the answer, and when we ask ourselves what we can do tomorrow and the next day and the next day, it’s to continue to speak out. It’s to continue to do what we do, live our lives without fear, but also do our best so that those around us don’t have to live in fear either. We do not meet hate with hate, we meet it with compassion. We work hard to build tolerance. We create that space where all people feel safe and can congregate. Where they feel welcome and at home.”

I wrote that in an essay for Sprudge on the recent days in Paris. I am finding that all I can do in the midst of this tragedy is write. And if this week has taught us anything it’s that we must fight with our pens.

But photos can often be louder than words, and while I am a writer and not a professional photographer, because I believe that mass media is often so over sensationalized I wanted to share some photos from last night’s gathering at Place de la République.

It was peaceful and diverse. There were children and grandparents. There were signs in French, English and Arabic. There were many tear-filled eyes.

How we move forward from this is unclear, but what is certain is that we must practice tolerance.

A vigil of candles and pens.

The woman that stands for liberté on the monument in Place de la République is wearing a black band in mourning.

A peace sign was built out of pens and pencils.

L’arme in French means weapon. But larme means tear. I think this woman meant both.