Scientist

Rebellion

Its day 27 Once again Im sitting in the middle

of a highway Behind me I hear the roaring

sound of a water cannon changing its aim On

my right sits Nicky on my left Niels Theyre

both wearing lab coats showing that they

are scientists Im staring at the red and blue

letters of the banner that is draped over my

knees It reads end fossil fuel subsidies

Nicky and I are pressed together were

sharing a plastic raincoat in a feeble attempt

to shield us from the water cannon There are

dozens of other people around us with and

without lab coats Some of them are singing

others are quiet I look behind me and see

that the f ierce beam of the water cannon is

coming closer I brace myself waiting for the

impact The ice water jolts my body and Im

shoved forward Im soaking wet from head

to toe but at least the water cannon stopped

In a few moments Ill be taken away by the

police but Niels is f irst When he doesnt get

up immediately three policemen hover over

him and pull on his arms and neck I hear him

crying out in pain calling for them to stop

Anger rises in me and a heat wave rushes

through my body Why is this necessary Tears

burn behind my eyes But then I feel an arm

around my shoulder Nicky looks up at me and

asks Are you okay I smile at her and feel

my body sighing with relief Im so glad shes

here with me Warmth and gratitude replace

my anger I remember why I am here and feel

ready to be taken away by the police We are

here together and together we will be heard

Simone Burger

Simone Burger is a PhD candidate in clinical

psychology at the VU Amsterdam She

combines her research work with climate

activism and is an active member of Scientist

Rebellion Netherlands

wwwlinkedincominsimone

burger399833111

Simone

Burger