Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » Raising the Stakes

Raising the Stakes

In troubled times, when people join, United in resistance, They share a common hope to find A peaceful coexistence. Perhaps they march or chant or sing While others watch and wonder If change can be the end result Of anger’s zeal and thunder. Or will the protests and the pleas Fade back to what we’re used to Before our phones replaced the need For any network’s news crew? The expectation now is that Events may yet compel us To raise the stakes and seek reform, But only time will tell us.

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Rico Leffanta

Date: 6/15/2020 1:32:00 PM

Nicely done, Ilene, especially the line, "For any network news crew!" However, demonstrations frequently become "mob rule" which lacks reason. Common sense should be enough for the village idiot to realise resisting arrest promotes violence, especially in the USA, where defense attorneys are provided. Participating in any group without a mask during a pandemic is rank stupidity! Aloha! Rico

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 6/15/2020 9:14:00 AM

Very well penned, Ilene! My view is that I think the protesters have made their point and it is time for them to retreat to their abodes and let things get back to normal (if that is to ever be!) Why can't people just leave other people alone???? Bob H

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/15/2020 3:36:00 AM

It's in our hands, we can't change the past but we can change the future, but only by working together. Thought provoking verse Ilene. Tom

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/14/2020 10:02:00 PM

Time will tell and only time. Well penned Ilene.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/14/2020 7:57:00 PM

If these people would agree to dramatic reform, then I think the day would be won. Problem is, they want revolution: Defunding of police departments, etc... My guess is that time will tell us -- love your phrasing -- that nothing much (again!) meaningful will change or that there'll be a visceral backlash. (Hope not). ~ Bored by it all, frankly

John Watt

Date: 6/14/2020 6:19:00 PM

Two interesting points you raise, ilene: the longterm effects of demonstrations and the short-fuse spread of news. Good food for thought on both regards. I feel like some reforms have already been put in place by law enforcement, and others are on the table, thanks to the many protests across our nation. Let's hope they serve to avoid future tragedies and prejudices. By the way, I liked the feminine rhymes you employed in your poem today. Another gem.

Jan Allison

Date: 6/14/2020 5:06:00 PM

The use of technology especially the internet and FB has made every item of news immediate and I think it has made the world a worse not a better place, not all change is for the best:-( hugs jan xx