Poem: An Unspoken Response

An Unspoken Response

It is no good,
the way things are working,
the responses come
with empty platitudes,
what was taken,
what was denied,
it is acknowledged,
but nothing more,
no value returned,
only the hollow echo
of apology and thanks.
There is nothing behind it,
no substance,
it is just a shrug,
another denial.
Those who come,
who offer themselves here
are seeking beneficence,
are hopeful, make their offerings,
as is demanded,
hoping that it will bring reward,
that they will be welcomed forward.
It cannot happen for all, no,
it can never be that simple,
but to offer nothing,
to take from those seeking assistance
while giving nothing
cannot be the way to continue,
not when nothing is given in return.
If you can only continue this task
by enacting this harm,
maybe the alternative
is worth considering.

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