Don't Get Too Close!

A poem I wrote awhile ago and updated in response to the seemingly lack of empathy on the part of too many people in our country.

 

You see an old woman sitting there

her blank eyes fixed, her cold feet bare

a dirty old bag flung over a chair,

but why would you stop

why should you care?

 

A family of four makes their home in a van.

Their supper consists of just beans from a can.

No heat will they have to warm their cold hands,

but why help them find

a safe place to land?

 

A young man walks the streets at night.

He’s learned how to beg, he’s ready to fight.

His threadbare jacket too thin and tight,

but why should you worry

if he greets the daylight?

 

A black man sits on the side of the road

his hands in cuffs his head held low

his body trembling from blow after blow,

but why should you question

what do you know?

 

Don’t get too close. Don’t take a stand.

You might think it contagious to reach out your hand.

Why bother to share with a poor fellow man

whose life has been built

on sinking sand?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

I decided to post this after the latest incident of police brutality. I come from a family of law enforcers and this is totally against their code of conduct.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a great poem on every level. I love the rhyme & rhythm marching along like you really mean business . . . there's no sap in this poem, no pity, whiny, sad bleak scenario . . . your details are hard & crisp & real & quite common! In your poem, you chastise the ones who look away. But I would also like to vent a little on my facebook friends who constantly post memes putting down "protesters" in general, as if they're all looters, but they never show one iota of understanding about what makes people so desperate that they would put themselves in harm's way to make a statement about how bad their lives are? I mean, it's like they're talking about a pack of dogs that oughta be shot. It feels like a knife stabbing me every time I read one of those. I avoid social media most of the time in this contentious lead-up to the election. This poem is gold star quality & you hit every point you're making with a hammer! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dara]

Oh my Margie. I am so happy you ‘got’my intention behind this poem. It does come across a bit harsh but is directed to just the type of people you describe from your Facebook account. Until we “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes we can never really know what they are going through. Sometimes I think social media we truly be our downfall especially during times like this. So great to see your words here. Take care!

[Robert Trakofler]

wow im hooked By your write style and your words wonderful flow and feel to this and the subject of your expression is fantastic and close to my own heart:) I love rhyme and cadence and in this write you have them both and lovely!

[Dara]

I am so happy you enjoyed my poem. I hope I didn’t come on too strong. The news regarding George Floyd had me on edge. I have grandchildren who are mixed so it hits home. It sounds like you have an empathetic heart as well. Great of you to take the time to read and share your thoughts!

[Robert Trakofler]

I have a one year old named Naomi every time I see her my heart melts:)

[Dara]

I know what you mean! Mine are 2 and 4. I pray things get better for them and all people of color soon. It will take time and a lot of work but there is hope to be found!

[Betty Hermelee]

A really good comment on current events! I we should all show compassion, empathy for the "down and out", especially now as the "Great Divide" has become deeper and more divisive, angry and chaotic. I work with people who have slept in vans with their kids or live in section eight housing with a dime to spare. In your poem, you really show the reader how cruel life really can be. Well written and relevant.

[Dara]

Thank you Betty. I hope I didn’t make people feel guilty when reading. It was more to pay attention to the gross inequalities that exist. After watching the George Floyd video you see people trying to talk to those policeman but they were not at all interested in what they were saying. It prompted me to post this poem. There are a lot of good policemen out there and good people who try to help, you as an example. But until everyone is treated fairly and with justice for all, the problem will continue. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my poem and share your thoughts!

[Paul Bell]

I think the world did reach out, otherwise it would have been hidden. This officer will be charged with murder, changes will be made in this state at least for a time, but as we know, Trump is in charge, and he is the problem.

[Dara]

So true, the people reached out in full force this time. I think I was also referring to events in the past as well and how there seems to be a climate of indifference too often. We have received another wake up call. Let’s pray this time changes will be made. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

[emmajoy]

Each of your stanzas made me feel guilty for being part of the human race.. Forgive this but we've created our own virus, that of the Couldn't Care A Damn.. and unless am much mistaken there'll never be a cure for it, unless we take note of what's going on NOW.

'You might think it contagious to reach out your hand. - Why bother to share .. '

Your words display so much empathy, each letter honest and meant. Many, many thanks for sharing, for posting, Dara.

[Dara]

Hello Emma, so good to see you! I am as guilty as anyone at times but lately I just had to say something. It’s odd because the one’s who might not feel twinge of guilt are the ones who don’t care. For example, how hard is it to put on a mask if it helps other people? But let me get off my soapbox. I hope life is treating you kindly and you are staying safe from the “birus” as my grandson calls it. I must catch up on my poetry reading. I look forward to seeing what your “pen” has been up to. :-). Take care!

[emmajoy]

Hello, dear you, many thank yous for leaving your words and thoughts, even briefly.. tis so good to read them. As things are at present, it's hard to vary from what needs to done and felt it's time to focus on what helps in the now. Plus, looking forward to tomorrow's dawn, come pouring rain or too early in the morning heat!!! (talking for myself there!)
Am more than glad to read your reaction. What you've added is so true: nothing as simple as a mask or whatever is wrong if it helps people, whether family neighbours or strangers. Caring and being aware is so vital in life at any time, even more so right now.

Take care of yourself, keep safe, always, dear you.

[Unspoken poet]

Don’t get too close. Don’t take a stand.
You might think it contagious to reach out your hand.

Just Wow! to these lines here, the whole stanza and write is amazing.
Awesome write

[Dara]

Thank you so much. I just had to get it out especially after the most recent event. In times like these being “silent is not golden”. So good of you to take the time to read and comment!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes that badge may feel like license to impart our own justice in any form we want...
no trial, no innocent until proven guilty...
and many of us just turn a blind eye.
powerful write, here.
j.

[Dara]

You put it all together so well! The saying about “ walking a mile in someone else’s shoes” holds so much meaning. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your views Jacob. I always come away from them feeling enlightened!