Our Side

Last poem I wrote. I wrote this 5 years ago hoping the words would fade, but they grow louder. I won't say who it's about. That's up to you. You'll get out of this what you put into this.

What becomes of children

Who grow up just to find 

A world where all

Their heroes let them down?

Will they go blind just trying to see

Through all the smoke and mirrors

Rising from the ashes 

Of another burning town?

How do you know what's real

When hollow words mean nothing

And their meanings always change

As the loud choke on their pride?

And the leaders proudly scream

The lie is always true

But only if you tell it

On our side

If every voice we hear 

Was truly equal as they say

How many would fight

To hear their dying breath?

If you could not see in colors

Would you rush with all your might

To the judgement hour

Seeking certain death?

How can anything be pure

When the streets all flow 

With blood that injustice

No longer cares to hide?

And the leaders they proclaim

Just pretend it isn't hate

But only if you do it

On our side

When the sun comes up again

Who will rise and stand

Just to find it's the day

They have to fall in sorrow? 

Will they ever really know

The ones who say they mourn
Just lost in time to fading minds

Who always fear tomorrow?

How can we be so blind

When there is just too much to see

And privilege can't excuse you

From the ride?

And the leaders softly say

You can always turn your back

But only if you turn it

On our side

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

Hello, Brandon,

I think the most difficult aspect of poetry is to stay distant enough from our material yet passionate as always while trying to find something other than the obvious way to transcribe our feelings into words.
Rarely do our first instincts and thoughts produce great poetry.

Welcome back to the club of triers.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Brandon
I think this very powerful on a crucial subject, using descriptive, vivid words…
You really get your point across quite well…
Thank you for sharing….
Warmly
B.

[Brandon Houser]

Thank you very much Betty!

[Curly Grace]

There’s a quiet power in this, Brandon. The questions cut clean, and the ache feels honest. A strong, steady piece.

[Brandon Houser]

Thank you. This one is very important to me. I wrote it 5 years ago disgusted with the world, hoping it would change. 5 years later, here we are. This one means something. Glad you can feel the honesty