Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Outside My Door

First I heard the rotor blades,
Their noisiness supplanting
The birdsong taking traffic’s place;
Then I heard the chanting.

Peering out the window, I was
Shaken and surprised
To see crowds of people marching;
It was later televised.

Wearing masks and holding placards
They advanced with strong intent,
Linked by youth, resolve and passion
And united in dissent.

Would their peaceful protest shatter
Like the ones the night before
And might looting and destruction
Happen right outside my door?

I was pulled back to the 60’s
When we rallied seeking peace,
So defiant with our armbands,
Facing off against the police.

But this time, in my apartment,
Safe nine stories from the ground,
I looked down in disbelief,
My sadness sweeping and profound.

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Maurice Rigoler June 6, 2020 at 6:46 PM One more reason why I'm glad I don't live in New York city! We've had no protests here in my seaside town of Westerly – so far at least. The restrictions brought about by Coviid-19 has rendered the town very quiet if not dull. Very few tourists so far and the main streets have little traffic. I'm not complaining. / M

Paul Callus June 5, 2020 at 4:16 PM Though people have a right to protest, it makes no sense to turn protests into unruly demonstrations, accompanied by looting, etc. Unfortunately there are participants who are not bothered about peaceful marches because they have hidden agendas to see to. // Regards // paul

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders June 3, 2020 at 6:45 PM Wonderful words, Ilene. It's amazing how our viewpoints change as we age. If only we could keep the passions of our youth while gaining wisdom as we age...stay safe and well on the 9th floor. hugs, Rhonda

Rico Leffanta June 3, 2020 at 1:49 PM As Trump daily dismantles government by replacing experts with toadies, the threat of dictatorship creeps even closer to your ninth floor refuge, so do be careful! Remember Trump is a backstabber, not a warrior, so let your eloquence reign! Aloha! Rico

Jan Allison June 3, 2020 at 3:17 AM so glad it was a peaceful protest , don't need anything else to add to the chaos of recent events. Just stay safe and I hope hubby is doing well, so glad you are still posting your poems it is my daily treat to read your wonderful words:-) hugs Jan xx

Gershon Wolf June 2, 2020 at 8:00 PM Interesting... What's changed from the '60's? There were flare-ups back then too. And an end to police brutality is no better or worse a cause than ending the Vietnam War if you ask me. (You didn't, but talk to anybody from South Vietnam about the bloodbath that ensued there when we pulled out in the '70's. The dead were in the hundreds of thousands. History covers it up nicely). Anyway, answer time: WE GOT OLD!!! No Surprise there, eh?! Great write, Ilene! :) gw