A Raw Deal

By luigi_pagano

Thu, 22 Jan 2015
  • 1834 reads
6 comments
 

I wish I could summon up the courage
to say with conviction ‘I am not afraid’
but when surrounded by a baying mob
hurling stones and Molotov cocktails
I question if I’ve chosen the right job.
Protected only by a flimsy plastic shield
we have to confront a frenzied raid
by marauders whose intention is to rob
and plunder goods the shops will yield.
I have to confess my legs turn to jelly
when in the middle of a violent riot
that will be shown briefly on the telly
but won’t last long in people’s memory.
It puzzles me why peaceful protests
seem to turn into aggressive behaviour
directed solely at the force of the law
who are there to maintain the peace
yet end up getting a deal that is raw.
And after the disturbances are quelled
butterflies in my belly will be dormant
but apprehension can never be dispelled.

© Luigi Pagano 2015

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Opinion
Other Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

You have got across the persective of the 'maintainers of peace' here well, their individual stresses and puzzles. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Many thanks, Rhiannon, for a positive feedback.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

An empathetic piece, interesting perspective.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers Philip and thanks for the comment.

Luigi :-)

 

Submitted by Bee on

Hi Luigi.

This is really good and strong. The rhyming came in naturally, too. I felt what it might get like in that situation. 

 

Bee

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Dearest Bee, your words are, as always, a boost to my morale. My poetry can sometimes seem unorthodox as I try to explore unusual angles and it is rewarding to see it being appreciated. Here I have imagined myself as being part of a group of law enforcers and the trepidation felt when confronted by  an unruly and threatening mob.  Grateful thanks for your feedback.

Luigi x