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
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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