Liana Star, Grade 12
UWC Mostar

They try to simplify it
If you see something, say something 
They say 
As if it’s that simple 
As if those who see something, will say something 

It depends upon so many assumptions
Assuming the case worker is ethical 
Assuming that people will care 
Assuming the child understands what’s wrong 
Assuming the judge is fair 

These assumptions make or break a case
As the fate of many is in its hands 
So many futures depend upon a simple yes or no 
Maybe the judge is in a bad mood that day 
Maybe their father just died
Maybe their pet is sick 
Or maybe they’re just feeling extra cruel towards the world
Maybe they want us to suffer 

And sometimes, when it’s not crystal clear
They bring us in
And demand our side of the story 
Asking us to betray our loved ones 
To turn them in 
Because even when you’re screaming “something”
It doesn’t guarantee that someone is listening. 


Image Courtesy: ​https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/judge-gavel-and-scale-in-court-legal-concept-gm1090431444-292518374

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