I Stand and Observe

I Stand and Observe by Claire Frank

I stand and observe the struggles in my country, and

       the chaos and depression within,

I observe the freezing man living on the streets, knowingly

       begging in vain, hungry and distrusted,

I observe me sobbing violated victim, shunned, misunderstood,

       blamed, unable to get help,

I observe the violator of women strut away unchallenged and

       unprosecuted, already searching for the next victim,

I observe the disorderly drunkard, the stench of alcohol on his

       breath as he takes out his frustrations on his child,

I observe the depressed teenager, detached, cutting,

      contemplating a quick end,

 I observe the innocent man bleeding out into the street,

       randomly gunned down, confused, questioning,

I stand and observe everything – all of the violence and confusion,

       the sadness and pain,

observe, understand, and overlook