Rough Justice

There are whispers in the valleys,

there are rumours in the streets

and it's spreading like a virus

as on gossip people feed.

So the curtains are all twitching,

see the eyes are peering out

while the bad boy tries his utmost

to ignore the jeers and shouts

of the stupid and judgemental

who want justice meted out.

Then they hide behind a corner

in the shadows of the night,

with their weapons in their pockets

and their purpose burning bright.

For they'll knife him in his stomach

and they'll boot him in the head,

then off they'll flee into the night

while leaving him for dead.

A new day's dawn, you are in jest,

another man has since confessed.

Reviews

[Onlyme]

Oh, Chris, this is spectacular and very descriptive and articulate and straight to the point. Outstanding and so sad as so very true. When you go to any major city in the UK let across the world. This is happening ten a penny. Even spreading out to the countryside like wildfire. I remember when I was a kid, people argued with fists and that was it done. Now for no reason at all. Just looking the wrong way you get killed. Modern times.

[Chris Shaw]

The killings taking place in London of young people are particularly distressing. So many young lives are wasted and the knock on effect on their nearest and dearest, so utterly devastating. Much of it related to gangs and drugs. Dreadful state of affairs Dawn. Thank you for your response.

Chris

[Onlyme]

I actually thought that was what you where talking about. But just felt the need to say it's spreading across the country too. I totally agree with you Chris. About london and guys. Every day some poor soul has got knifed and killed. It's like a everyday occurrence. And should not be.

[Chris Shaw]

Where does it end? No sign of it being controlled. I'd be scared to let my kids out.

[Onlyme]

I think it's all deliberate to be honest Chris, Lack of police, police not being able to do their jobs properly. And kids and adults. Going nuts in general. A mix that is just ending in a major disaster. I really feel so sorry for the new generation. Growing up in general. Glad Iam old and not doing that again. Scary.

[Chris Shaw]

I think I grew up in pretty innocent times by comparison Dawn. I think you must feel the same.

[Onlyme]

I do believe so Chris, we where lucky. Not so for the youngster nowadays sadly though.

[richieb]

Christine,
Your poem of street justice rang hard and true. Your words lent imagery that put the reader in the middle of the conflict. I enjoyed this style of toughness you employed into your work.
ell done, looking forward to reading more of your fine work.
May you enjoy a Blessed Christmas,
Richie b.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Richieb for your kind review. Sending you greetings also for a Merry Christmas.

Chris

[Spriggan]

Not often have I been so happy to be angry nor so grateful for being unable to assist in a dramatic turn of events as I was while reading your text. It has a raw honesty that I love.

[Chris Shaw]

Welcome to my page Spriggan. Thank you kindly for your lovely review.

Chris

[tanmay7551]

For once I just forgot that it is a poetry! A good pace of suspense and thrill of words!
I felt like saving the person from dark souls... Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you tanmay7551. Thank you kindly for your response.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Hmmmmm- such is life - we need to think more before we follow the crowd- once a word is said a Stone is thrown we can’t always take it back- need to look deeper , think about others feelings before acting out of gossip heard🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly for your visit. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Cowards are aplenty. Modern humanity cannot hide from that I fear. Especially because it takes subversive colors that are not so obvious these days.

It's fitting you shared this on the internet... the cowards playground.

Also, as usual, this is very well written. I wish I could write like that.... (i truly only say that when i mean it; i'm a very competive son of a b***h)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you David. I appreciate your visit and the compliment :)

Chris

[john l smith]

It does seem as though violence is increasing, possibly because there are more people now or because the media focuses on violence
Recently, here, two older boys murdered a 14 yr. old, added to the ever increasing gun/knife/drug violence
not good

[Chris Shaw]

I think we are becoming more violent. There were never the number of killings involving young people in my younger days. It is tragic. Dreadful loss of life which is devastating for the family. Many thanks Dave.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very descriptive! I liked the imagery

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks JungLee for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Capital punishment and vigilante justice are not justice at all. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lyn. All good wishes to you.

Chrid

[Ted Kniffen]

This speaks volumes, Chris. It seems that nowadays society is not content with justice, they want revenge and it matters little about a fair trial, or whether the person was even there, just the fact that a scapegoat is available. All we need do is look at the preponderance of lives destroyed by an accusation. Guilty in the eyes of the mob.
One niggling little thing..."who want justice metered out". should the word be meted?
This is a good write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ted and for the edit too. Have corrected and I'm grateful for your attention to detail. Hope all is OK in your world.

Chris

[Lanny]

Such an apt reflection on the nature of the too troubled times that surround far too many. A nice rolling rhythm with choice diction to convey the chosen guttural, emotive effect. A choice piece for sure that surely resonates the madness that has pervaded far too many communities and a sad snapshot of current problems.

Nicely done, and all the best,

Lanny

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for reviewing my nostalgia trip Lanny. Precious times, I don't want to lose them.
Chris