Did I? Poem by Eric Cockrell

did i vote for the man
who sent the plane
that dropped the bombs

on the family kneeling together
in a tiny dwelling?
did i?

did i pump the gas
to drive around town
that sent the army

to invade a small country,
rich in oil....
well, did i?

did i waste the paper
that came from the tree,
the whole forest cut down....

that left the earth bare,
and choking for air....
did i?

did i throw out the food
left on my plate,
while near and far

whole families are starving.....
without a thought...
did i?

did i turn my head
as i hurried to work,
and missed the family stranded,

their car broke down
on the side of the road...
did i?

did i fail to hear
what the woman, hysterical,
and lost was saying....

as i said the 'right words',
and patted her on the back....
well, did i?

in the court of compassion,
when only the truth remains...
who bears the guilt....

will i?