Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

How Times Have Changed

A professor of mine told a story
Of a litterbug caught in the act
So the witness retrieved
What the litterbug heaved
With the thought that with guilt he’d be wracked.

He caught up with the guy and returned it
And the man was embarrassed indeed.
This took place long ago
And the times, as you know,
Have few niceties people do heed.

So today, I observed someone drinking.
Once his bottle of hootch emptied out,
It got tossed through a fence
Where I’m sure it will hence
Be a permanent fixture, no doubt.

Though a garbage pail stood on the corner
Any effort was not worth a damn.
But did I interfere?
No, the years have made clear
Caution makes me the coward I am.

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Gershon Wolf February 12, 2022 at 9:10 PM Well, I agree with you more than with some others commenting. I'd just tweak the last two lines a bit: 'No, it's become more and more clear // My years make me the coward I am.' I really do think it's your (our) age -- and not 'the times.' Were we younger, we'd say our piece to litterbugs. 'Course we'd be more likely to be shot at these days, wouldn't we?! ~ Not a laughing matter

Trevor Mcleod February 11, 2022 at 9:51 PM The coward I am is not really true Ilene. LOL We all know to go through proper channels now days. I wouldn't be surprised it he's on camera as well. Manners are not being taught to kids now. I wish talking was an option with litterers. I see people abuse everything in public and they do it because they're angry for the most part. Ignored and abused themselves by the system. Street people are beaten up regularly and that gets to you. They are interrogated by shelter intakes as well.

Rico Leffanta February 10, 2022 at 10:31 AM Naught to worry, Ilene, as Karma will return trash to trash! Stay safe and healthy! Aloha!

John Watt February 9, 2022 at 9:53 PM i agree with Milton on this... i would be inclined to assess your response as sensible more than cowardly, especially if the person were inebriated. of course if you had your pet rottweiler with you... nice writing, and thought-provoking too.

Hannah Borke February 9, 2022 at 3:23 PM I went for electrolysis. How about a poem on electrolysis. Did you ever write one?

L Milton Hankins February 9, 2022 at 1:31 PM I understand completely. Although you were repulsed by the act, you chose the right course. One never knows how another person will react when they are confronted with wrongdoing. Just my humble opinion.