Checking Your Bags

In a theater or museum
Someone’s there to check your bags
And I wonder what exactly
An inspection like that snags.

Are there weapons nestled next to
People’s wallets or their phones?
Have they confiscated contraband
That some attendee owns?

As the line moves up, my bag’s unzipped;
I let them glance inside.
Although they have a flashlight,
There’s so much that I can hide.

But I don’t, of course, and neither do
The visitors behind me.
I think of 9/11 then;
Precautions still remind me.

The bag check’s just a surface ploy
So we can all pretend
That we’re safe, but that’s the error
On which terrorists depend.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Murray Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 2:03 PM
It is a nuisance, but I suppose it makes the herd feel secure, in the same way that we get "herd immunity" when all children are vaccinated.
Promise Avatar
March 11, 2016 at 12:17 AM
Having bags checked will cause those who would like to "try" anything to THINK twice; since Murphy's Law may come into play - The day I try it is the day I may be caught! A 7.
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 9, 2016 at 11:33 PM
Your poem is so cleverly written and rhymes Ilene it is also very true. A splendid offering! #7
Bauer Avatar
March 10, 2016 at 3:04 PM
thank you kindly, dear connie!
Buhain-Baello Avatar
March 9, 2016 at 6:58 PM
A reality we ave to live through these days when there are forces among us so vile and depraved they seek to kill for no reason. I like the simplicity and honesty of your poem, and its timely message. ~~~Cynthia
Bauer Avatar
March 10, 2016 at 3:04 PM
i appreciate the comment, cynthia! thanks for reading...
Lane Avatar
March 9, 2016 at 6:20 PM
You were inspired to write the truth. Nicely done, Ilene.
Bauer Avatar
March 10, 2016 at 3:04 PM
thanks for the comment, lin!
Deremer Avatar
March 9, 2016 at 5:14 PM
I really enjoyed your poem. Thank you for sharing.
Bauer Avatar
March 9, 2016 at 5:17 PM
thank you, pam! i had my bags checked twice today - annoying, but an inspiration for my poem...
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