You Don't Know Me

A short piece about doing what's right.

You Don’t Know Me

 

You put yourself in danger

Risking all you have and more

But you don’t know me.

Who I am or what I do.

You don’t know anything about me.

My color or sex

My religion or political affiliation.

You don’t know if I support you

And what you do

Or if I protest against you

And those who order you to do the things you do.

You don’t know any of this

And yet you still risk your life for me.

It is because of you that poets can dream

And bankers can count their money

And teachers can teach

And different religions can flourish here.

It is because of you that protesters can speak

Loudly against you

And politicians can pass laws

That hurt you.

The same politicians who charged you this task.

You sleep in dirt at times

Or you don’t sleep at all for far too many hours

And eat food that most of us would throw away.

You walk in blazing heat

Sweltering humidity

Monsoon rains

Daytime, nighttime

Any time you are told to do so

You do all of this for me...

But you don’t know me.

Thank you.

 

On this day of remembrance, respect the passing of those who gave their lives 11 years ago. But also remember the ones who sacrifice for us daily. If you have a loved one or know someone who is serving in your country’s military send them a note and say thank you.

Reviews

[Number Six]

A beautiful poem that honors our brave soldiers warmly.

I like how you capture gratitude in this poem, and how it's warm and personal at the same time.

Very nice.