Home » Poems » Kevin Cummings » While I Wasnt Watching

While I Wasnt Watching

While I wasn’t watching
A child was taught to hate
While I wasn’t watching
The hungry were told to wait
While I wasn’t watching
The future was betrayed
I finally looked and saw that a generation had lost its faith

While I wasn't watching
Another species died
While I wasn't watching
Another mother cried
While I wasn't watching
Another politician lied
I finally turned to look away and seek a place to hide

While I wasn’t watching
We settled into complacency
While I wasn’t watching
Dreams wandered aimlessly
While I wasn’t watching
The mirror waited patiently
I looked, but it was hard to see a path out of our apathy

While I wasn’t watching
The unknown became the enemy
While I wasn’t watching
Truth was sacrificed silently
While I wasn’t watching
I lost track of the good in me
I looked up, and saw that we have a shared destiny

Now that I’m watching
I must acknowledge the things I see
Now that I’m watching
What I was missing saddens me
Now that I’m watching
Can I help avoid another tragedy?
I see a chance to atone for my sins, and help restore sanity

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Diane Perna

Date: 11/7/2021 1:12:00 PM

Indeed, amazing! Great writing!

Kevin Cummings
Date: 2/18/2022 9:27:00 AM

Thank you for the kind words.

Stephen Mayne

Date: 7/5/2021 12:23:00 PM

Great poem, enjoyed reading it.

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:34:00 AM

Thank you Stephen. It means a lot to bare your soul onto a page and have it accepted and enjoyed.

Jo Chamberlain

Date: 3/19/2021 12:32:00 PM

I really enjoyed your poem. It has great depth, and meaning. :-)

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:36:00 AM

This one continues to intrigue me and could have been several stanzas longer. Thank you for taking the time to send a comment.

Terry O'Leary

Date: 3/19/2021 10:49:00 AM

Nice!

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:36:00 AM

Thank you

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 3/18/2021 8:24:00 PM

Well Kevin, all I can say is WOW! You tell like it is!

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:38:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer, one beauty in writing what your heart feels is that it uncovers other hearts that feel as well.

James Inman

Date: 3/18/2021 5:04:00 PM

An excellent write, Kevin, very thought-provoking.

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:44:00 AM

Thank you James, we will someday turn the thoughts toward action.

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 3/17/2021 5:25:00 PM

Kevin, This is a powerful and beautifully written poem. Americans need to wake up! Please check out my poem, "America, Where are you Going?". Take Care, Paulette

Kevin Cummings
Date: 11/2/2021 6:46:00 AM

Thank you Paulette. I am happy to meet others who question. “Huddled masses, lost in the abyss of ignorance” Powerful imagery and sadly it is too true. Thanks for reaching out and connecting. Thank you for your voice.