Who are the Guards?

5

Who are the Guards?

Who are the Guards?

Guards help small children
cross a busy street –
Guards tell us to hush
in front of a pizza shop
during a noon-hour dance –
Guards monitor the corridor
at school – send girls home
if they roll a skirt too high,
paint lips red, swear under
your breath, toss a rock at
a stop sign or walk too close
to the opposite sex –

We were a generation without
sense or sensibility –
Our heads empty – so some
smoked weed – left home,
slept naked under a full
moon – without a guard –

We felt freedom and could
run, be – do – say – sing
or spit – swear – dance,
until the boy next door was
sent home in a casket.

The last time we spoke
he was flying by on his
Harley – he wanted to be one
of those hell’s angels – he
got tough – without a guard
as he protested the war.
We all saw death, bodies
rolled off of platforms –
Huge planes owned by our
Government – we
protested war – in streets,
in Washington DC – but bodies
multiplied. . .

Men and women rolled in front
of the White House without
limbs – eyes blinded by fire –
and gangs multiplied. . .

Protesters took to streets
using graffiti
“Kill the Pig – Kill the Pig,
as our establishment became
rich and richer –

We found peace, free love,
loving each other –
Children were still eating pizza
during lunch hour– they loved
everyone except the guard.

Forty years have gone – those
who took to the streets ended
up the doers, performers; lawyers,
doctors – Congressmen or women,
mothers and fathers, aunts or uncles –
and teachers hiding –
behind metal detectors at
school –  schools in cities or suburbs.  

You see, once we yelled for freedom
and peace – we downed the pigs –
These roads we traveled,
have once again
twisted into foreign knots –

We do not know
who the guards
are, any more.

5 Comments
  1. Avatar of K.cDeVille
    K.cDeVille says

    Somber but truthful view on society…

  2. Avatar of Nancy Duci Denofio
    Nancy Duci Denofio says

    Thanks K.c. – always pleased when someone takes time to comment. I noticed your photo in error on my bio? I guess I should report it. Don’t mind your face. Sincerely, Nancy

  3. Avatar of Nancy Duci Denofio
    Nancy Duci Denofio says

    It’s fine now. Gosh, I thought I had a make-over Wonderful talking with you. Nancy

  4. Avatar of Robert Politz
    Robert Politz says

    This year, 2012, it seems as if all the guards have gone away. But, they haven’t.
    The “Patrol Boys” of then, are the “Crossing Guards” of today, retired, wearing an orange vest, carrying battery operated flashing Stop Signs to ensure the children get across our busy streets safely.

    Their children, such as “Seal Team 6”, are guarding you and I as we speak but they desire no fame or accolades for their secret job is a lonely but important one to be carried out in the dark of night, silently, effectively and efficiently.

    Oh the Guards are still here, all around you and me. For were they not, neither I would be writing this nor would you be reading it. They are here, everywhere! And they do as they have always done; protect our way of life!

  5. Avatar of Nancy Duci Denofio
    Nancy Duci Denofio says

    I really appreciated this and the time it took for you to write it, sharing with others your thoughts. GREAT having you out there. Don’t leave this place. Sincerely, Nancy – BTW I was hoping this caught the change in the schools, and how metal detectors are now where the crossing guards once stood. Nancy

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