Because We've Kept Our Mouths Closed

While you and I were staring out the window,
Our lives were being played with.
Insignificantly.
As if a ball tossed,
By irresponsible kids.

And because we've kept our mouths closed...
Those balls then were thrown.
Tossed carelessly back to break that window.

With a showing of further disrespect.
And a lot of shouting expected.
With our lives continued to be played.
As if nothing had been heard.
Since we allowed it to be that way!
Because we've kept our mouths closed.
Or mumbled in silence...
To not disturb with bitter words.
For fear of being perceived as mean neighbors.

Now the whole neighborhood is policed,
And monitored.
To keep peace on the streets.

And at one time,
It was easy to blame this on 'them'!
You know...
'Them? '
Who had been 'those people'!

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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