we have locked the doors and windows pulled down the shades and dimmed the lights the madmen of yore have returned and move freely in the darkness of fear calling out like peddlers selling century old scapegoats door-to-door they promise to give back what you never had but always desired if you would only but sacrifice the lives and freedoms of others a small price to pay until judgment day
Brilliant poem Charles – reading your poems is like reading a top notch colulmnist (one who makes sense – most don’t 😉 ) in a good quality paper. Strange times we live in.
Your last few lines are beautiful. “but sacrifice / the lives / and / freedoms of others / a small price / to pay / until / judgment day” I have never really considered this idea. I believe this will be something for me to ponder for the next few days. Well done!
Read Between the Minds 
peddlers
selling century old scapegoats … that’s a great line, Charles!
from the image to the last word I am captivated and sorrowful…
collateral damage
smh
the format almost looks like a door “knocker” do-gag
When we steal freedom from mankind, then we become the slave of humanity. A pleasure to read this poem. Nice stuff!
firefly747
Wow, I have to agree with “theonlycin”–that line is incredible! Love it, Charles!
Brilliant poem Charles – reading your poems is like reading a top notch colulmnist (one who makes sense – most don’t 😉 ) in a good quality paper. Strange times we live in.
Yet, when we call out to the peddlars, they don’t recognize their moniker. They are too busy being right.
Cynical perfection, my friend!
brilliant one charles.
Your last few lines are beautiful. “but sacrifice / the lives / and / freedoms of others / a small price / to pay / until / judgment day” I have never really considered this idea. I believe this will be something for me to ponder for the next few days. Well done!
The robber is always at the door and the lives and freedoms of ourselves and others are always on the chopping block awaiting the cleaver.
Poem on target. Wish it weren’t so … Sigh!