How It Happened

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“Play it down now”, said the parent
To the child, “play it down”
“Don’t ask questions” said the teacher
To his students, “turn around”
“Not a word”, cried the bosses
To his workers, “or you will pay”
“It never happened”, said the policeman
To the witness, “look away”

“It’s not your business” said the landlord
To his tenant, “not your concern”
“Keep your eyes shut,” said the preacher
To the Christian, “Or you burn”
“Come and join us,” said the bigot
To the frightened, “stem the tide”
“Are you with me,” said the bully
To the weakened, “earn your pride.”

“Choose a weapon,” said the tyrant
To his soldiers, “join our fight”
“Kill the vermin,” hailed the Nazis
To the cowards of crystal night.
Burn down the olive groves said the settler
To those who think this land is theirs by right.

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