“When it’s Time” — Poem

It’s more than just holding a sign

With a clever or whimsical line

To tell you the truth

It’s bigger than you

Are you ready to step when it’s time

-

We all will have something to lose

With whichever decision you choose

To watch it unfold

And believe what you’re told

But you’re future will never be fine

-

Cause we’ve seen this film before

It’s an ever repetitive lore

They’ll bring out the tanks

To rob all the banks

But your neighbor’s the reason you’re poor

-

So surely the song has to end

Oh can we no longer pretend

The veil starts to fall

When we’re ready to call

The ones so unlike us a friend

-

No real difference between you and I

No judgment if they change their mind

Just help at your side

If their shoes are untied

So they’re ready to step when it’s time

-

Our actions discussed in a class

When they get to this point in the past

And the moments might say

We were never afraid

But merely distracted in task

-

On which side of the text will you lie

Will the children know you never tried

To speak for the broken

Or keep your eyes open

And fell to the tune of your pride

-

In silence you witnessed a crime

So how will our world be defined

And what will you do

To stand for the truth

Are you ready to step when it’s time