Sparked by Words

Down the Stairs

May 20, 2019

 

“Yes, I pushed him down the stairs

But he’s the one who fell.”

Not a valid defense for violence.

Doesn’t turn a terrorist into a freedom fighter.

Won’t create justice for the wrongfully accused.

Can’t replace lies with an ethical mission.

Won’t douse fire once ignited

Or salvage what’s been destroyed.

Not a reason to hold hostage the innocent.

Does not showcase nefarious behavior as decency.

Won’t grant a medal for heroism

Or a trophy for humanitarianism.

Unconvincing as policy for disguising acts

Of bigotry, racism, misogyny, deceit, or hatred.

Address God in any and every language,

It doesn’t make an evil deed holy.

And it sure as hell isn’t a mandate for peace.

Only cowards push and blame.

 

 

Just a Thought 73

 

Painting Steps in Algiers by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Wikimedia Commons

 

 

 

 

Category:

inspiration, Just a Thought, Poetry

30 Comments

Tagged with:

Comments on: "Down the Stairs" (30)

  1. Denzil said:
    May 20, 2019 at 12:55 am

    Sounds a bit like the old “But he/she started it!” classic response of the bully.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. leggypeggy said:
    May 20, 2019 at 2:56 am

    Brilliant thought.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. D. Wallace Peach said:
    May 20, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    Oh, there are some who will argue with you. Awesome poem, Sharon, and a sad commentary on the world.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Jenna Barwin said:
    May 20, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    The most eye-opening thing I learned while getting a masters degree was the concept that “history is written by the winners.” And the so-called winners don’t own their own shit in the problem.

    Tweeted & shared.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. CURIOUStotheMAX said:
    May 20, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    The only good news is the “pushers” are sticking around so we can identify them – it’s harder when they hit-n-run and disappear into the dark.

    Another powerful poem Shari!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Terri Webster Schrandt said:
    May 22, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Ah yes, the finger-pointing! Such an eloquent thought on why many of us can’t accept responsibility for our own actions. :/

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Sarah said:
    May 27, 2019 at 4:54 am

    A poignant thought, Shari. I admit I feel like despairing every time I listen to the news and watch the bullies and cowards push and blame. It’s a sad world that mirrors school ground behavior all around. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

  9. da-AL said:
    May 28, 2019 at 2:24 am

    Great writing – am trying to remember exact words of a quote I heard – something to effect that we can justify anything when we want to…

    Like

I would love to know what you think.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.