They Will Remember

Their voices silenced by the intolerable mob
Remember how powerful you felt as you watched them go
Immigrants
The LGBTQ+ Community
Women
Environmentalists
Persons of Color
Those Brutalized by War

You certainly prided yourself with your superiority
Remember the words you chose as they walked by
Criminals
Anti-Christian
Ownership
Oil and Wealth
Indifference
World Dominance

But because your arrogance was so loud and odious
You did not hear their voices as they steadied on
Indeed, they were not silenced, but soulfully singing
Because your vision was so darkened with contempt
You could not see their vibrant faces
Indeed, they were not leaving, but creating a more civilized world

And those who walked,
and generations now to come,
will remember.

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Billy Collins, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

This user supports Neopoet so it can be free to all

Comments

Geezer

7 months 2 weeks ago

I like...

the form and the making of such a list. It makes it feel all the more odious. "Walked on" makes it seem like a list of traits that the "Others" have designated as being undesirable is right there in front of you. However, I think that maybe you might use a different phrase the second time around. Maybe say "passed by"? The whole thing reminds me of how hateful people can be.
I guess that we ought to teach our children and loved ones to acknowledge differences while not being judgmental. After-all, this country was built on the platform of being accepted and having equal rights to enjoy the pursuit of "Life, Liberty and happiness as long as we do not infringe upon the rights of others. Nicely done! Thank you. ~ Geez.
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Lavender

7 months 2 weeks ago

Hello, Geezer,

So much to try to understand right now. I appreciate your thoughts. I really like your suggestion, and took it just a step further in my edit.
Thank you for reading and your help with this!
L