Close Your Eyes, And Ignore It Poem by Randy McClave

I saw a black man murdered
But, first he was kicked and hit,
Everybody was looking a different way
I was then told to close my eyes and ignore it.
I was told to pretend that it never took place,
And to ignore his pleas, and his race.

I saw a woman cursed and then abused
Her man was throwing a fit,
She didn't do what he had commanded her to do
I was then told to close my eyes and ignore it.
I was told to turn around and to walk away,
It was not my concern to look or say.

I saw a person robbed and then another raped
When they were high and really well lit,
I was wanting to step in and call the law
I was then told to just close my eyes and ignore it.
That is not any of my business or my concern,
Hate and memories I should not churn.

I saw a happy couple holding hands and kissing
But, upon them a crime someone was going to commit,
I was told that they were the same gender
I was then told to just close my eyes and ignore it.
Then I thought of that injustice to myself,
Happiness and joy should not be hidden in a jar on a shelf.

I saw a pet and then a child punched and choked
I was angry I was going to make the abuse quit,
But, I was told not to ever get involved
I was then told to close my eyes and to ignore it.
Then I was told again that wasn't my fight,
Only the law should smite.

In a dream I saw people gassed in a chamber
Their cries and deaths I alone could not permit,
So, I alone was going to storm the concentration camp
But, I was then told to close my eyes and to ignore it.
In the corners citizens did hide and cower,
They were afraid of their leaders and their power.

I saw a man being led to be crucified
Upon him people laughed and scorned and did spit,
I cried because no one cared to stop this torture
I was then told to close my eyes and to ignore it.
But, to ignore and close my eyes I would not,
No one should forget the battle that he fought.

I now see all the injustice that was done
While many closed their eyes and ears and only did sit,
I will not, will not, be one of those frightened rabbits
No more, will I close my eyes and ignore it.
Liberty and justice and truth will now be my roar,
I will close my eyes and overlook, no more.