Midnight Protest

Close to midnight, I jolted awake
By the noise only honking horns make
So I ran to look out
To see what was about
And I saw lots of cars, all a’brake.

The cacophony rattled the night,
Joined by sirens en route to the site.
What the protest was for
I assumed was some more
Black Lives Matter folks, showing their might.

It was not until morning, I learned
That the wrath all those honking cars earned
Had a different cause
And it gave me some pause
As it should have to all those concerned.

The protesters were Jews, quite irate
For their neighborhood, many nights straight,
Has been filled with the booms,
Very loud, one assumes,
Of the fireworks dreaming folks hate.

Thus, the point of their clamorous drive
Was from sleep they’d the mayor deprive,
But their plan wasn’t good
So they woke my whole ‘hood
And I got through today half-alive.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Leffanta Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 1:57 PM
Although fireworks may only be legally purchased in Hawai'i by license, I live one block away from the Honolulu Fire Department HQ, where firemen regularly disturb the peace with illegal fireworks - throughout the year! Not surprising when one lives in a nation where leadership by example is foreign! Aloha! Rico
Cunningham Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 12:53 PM
Whatever happened to peaceful protests. Hope tonight is better for you. Tom
Hinshaw Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 10:33 AM
Another masterful write, Ilene. I'm dreading the 4th of July. It sounds like the 3rd world war has begun when jerks in the neighborhood start firing off fireworks! Its so dry here in Colorado the powers that be may ban fireworks except for those operated by professional "firecrackers" (or what ever they call themselves). Stay calm - Bob
Watt Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 1:41 AM
Sleepy Lives Matter, too.
Wolf Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 8:21 PM
Great one, Ilene! I'm printing up my posters right now: JSM = Jewish Sleep Matters! LOL. Thanks, Gershon
Allison Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 6:32 PM
oh how inconsiderate I hope you get a decent night sleep, and trust you and your hubby are both doing well:-) hugs Jan xx
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace