They paint our faces black,
and we oblige,
sending ourselves round this monotonous
circle of submission and submersion
into a sea of secrets and alliances
sworn to protect, but
destined to damn.
They swing the brushes maliciously,
slapping sleeping spells across our eyes,
and assuming acceptance.
They paint our faces black,
and we awkwardly smile.
Lined up like cattle we wait for our mark--
our pat on the back, shake of our hands--
but, when our number's called they
lift the right hand--armed--
and slap us with civility into silence.
When they slid the bristling fingers, briskly, over my eyes,
I opened them, and stared into demonic despise.
They paint our faces black,
or, at least, they try.
Author notes
I was really angry and disgusted with some corrupt small-town cops when I wrote this. I was a harassed, pissed-off, nineteen-year-old armed with a pen... not to be intimidated by hollow shouts of insecurity and burnt pride through a shallow, fake-oak door.
Now, I do agree with you that all cops are not corrupt, but in the process of my roommate and I dealing with our own situation, I was appalled at how many people wouldn't do what your friend did, and, moreover my own mother told me, "They're the cops. They can do whatever they want!" I'm very glad to hear some people know their rights and are willing to fight for them.
A contest entry
- I want your view. by coffeeangel316.
425 points, ended June 16, 2008, 4 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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sworn to protect, but
destined to damn.
Lined up like cattle we wait for our mark--
our pat on the back, shake of our hands--
but, when our number's called they
lift the right hand--armed--
and slap us with civility into silence.
These are all my favorite lines- very powerful
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Thank you for standing up for your belief, and it is all around. Small town cops being bought and paid letting criminals go and harrassing hard working citizens and it is a great entry.
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I love the ability of this poem to oppose without any sense of vindictive aspirations. Wonderfully written!
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VERY WELL EXPRESSED!!!!
I have felt this exact same way about our town police here where I live also.
To much being paid-off, and underhandedness. What ever has happened to honest adn law abiding people? Not to many of us left.
's
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