Brother's Keeper
by John Laukkanen
2/25/09
It is never "just"!
The smallest piece one can weigh
(a sip of drink or bit of crust),
weighs down a thief bit by bit,
pounding him to dust.
It is never "just"!
Though it start as only one,
and a white one at that, I trust.
One more, two gray, and a black
fill to brim and bust!
No, it is not "just"!
The one thing you do not have
costs more than is told by your lust.
Have you n'er seen scars on men
whose fire it has brushed?
It is never just ~
the vengeance your anger takes.
The hateful fist or tongue's full gust
takes your own humanity
with its final thrust.
No, these are unjust!
This false counsel that you keep
forgets the bond 'tween each of us:
Keep self, and keep your brother ~
It's your sacred trust.