Poem: "Thou Shalt Not"

© 2000 by Andersen Silva

Last updated 6-28-2022  


It's murder,
     Whether a man does it with a gun,
     Or the State does it with an injection.

It's murder,
     Whether it's one on one,
     Or the government against an individual,
Or governments against governments.

Do you hate someone enough to lead to murder?
If so, you're doing something wrong.

Are you that convinced of your leaders' infallibility
     That you'll kill in their names?
If so, remember that they may turn on you someday.

Revenge is the refuge of the weak;
     Murder, that of the uncivilized.
As difficult as it is to be the better man,
     And turn the other cheek,
     It is almost always the better way.

Thou shalt not...