Current events

 

 This poem is clearly inspired by Martin Niemöller's famous piece, which speaks to the dangers of silence in the face of oppression. However, it's important to acknowledge that the original work by Niemöller dealt specifically with the events of World War II and the Holocaust. My version expands on this theme to address various forms of contemporary injustice such as the EDL riots. 

 First, they came for the Muslims, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Muslim, it was not my fight.

They shouted in the streets, torches bright in the night,

And I turned off the news, seeking comfort in silence.

Then they came for the migrants, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a migrant, it was not my plight.

They closed down the borders, built walls to new heights,

And I stayed in my home, kept my head down and quiet.

Then they came for the dissenters, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a dissenter, it was not my strife.

They silenced the voices that spoke of our rights,

And I buried my words, hid my thoughts deep inside.

Then they came for the neighbours, and I did not speak out—

Because they were not me, it was not my life.

They broke into homes, spread fear in the night,

And I locked all my doors, prayed it wasn't my time.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out—

Because I had stayed silent, alone in my fright.

They took all my freedoms, my voice and my light,

And I finally saw, too late, the cost of my quiet.

So now when they come, as they always will try,

I vow to stand up, not let justice die.

For the fight is for all, and the silence a lie—

We must speak for each other, or together we cry.



- Aspen Greenwood

And here is me reading it on socials