In Solution Chemistry,
some compounds dissolve quite readily,
no matter what they're paired up with.
But there are not enough reactants
in this world
to let me be aqueous
all the time.
I am silver.
And the world is made up of Halides and Sulfates.
They can make anything part of the solution.
Except for me.
I am almost never soluble.
What happens when you're only seen as a precipitate?
When you draw out things people wish could stay hidden,
dissolved in liquid,
invisible.
When your very existence is something
others wish wouldn't happen?
What happens when you're never wanted?
When you're stuck in a liminal state
between two worlds
desperately trying to find your place
find your calling
find your voice
but no one wants to save you a seat
speak your name
hear you out.
When some say they're grateful for you
there will always be those who respond,
Oh really?
questioning your worth
wondering how anyone could see your benefit.
Because you're a troublemaker
you cause phase division
You are out
to promote your own selfish agenda
and raise awareness
about something no one else cares about.
One hundred eighteen elements to date
and you're the awkward combination of
quarks
that don't fit anywhere.
People appreciate the way silver
keeps the economy running
but they never care about it as Argentum
as Ag+
as 47 protons
and 60 neutrons
give or take a few.
But if you want me here.
You're gonna have all of me.
You'll have the pros and cons
the solubility constant
the electronegativity
the heat capacity
the reduction potential.
There are those
who will want to put me away
lock me up
only to be used
when they want
a coin of silver.
But I want to mingle
with the other elements
see what compounds I can draw out
see what solutions can come about.
I have worth.
Beyond just my market value.
But what happens when people only see you as a distraction?
When you're the crap at the bottom that they want to sweep away?
Yet even when a compound precipitates out
onto the beaker floor,
it's still part of the solution
if you'll let it be.
I want to be part of the solution.
Will you let me be?
