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.

[Mrudula Rani]

No place on earth safe is it? our country is way ahead, compared with any other place in violence and bloodshed... few months back they had to bring military police to control the gang-fights in the city. A serious subject to write about and you have done a superb job, C.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you M. Sounds like you've got more than your fair share of violence and bloodshed if the military police were called in. Thank you for your very generous review. Sadly we live in violent times.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so often the judgment comes before the trial.

there is a profound sadness in this poem for the stupidity people can too often exhibit.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jacob, there is sadness. We have a glut of teenage killings by blade in London and the outskirts. It is heartbreaking to see the faces of the youngsters, dead before they have barely started and their destraught loved ones. Much of it gang and drug related.

Chris

[Papaya]

People are so quick to pass judgement sometimes. We have the courts for that.
It really makes me angry sometimes.

[Chris Shaw]

I hate rough justice. There are parts of the world where it is rife. Lynch mobs in the streets, they aren't interested in the courts. Barbaric behaviour. Happens here as well on occasion. Thank you Ana.

Chris

[Papaya]

Yes, it happens often in some parts. You're welcome Chris,