The Silence that Precedes Betrayal
a deafening so loud
complicit in the harm
that serves no one
witness to distress
and be mute
protect self interest
useless cowardly bystander
witness and do nothing
no risk involved
keep the status quo
at your own peril
Inspired by
Influenced by these quotes:
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
— Martin Luther King Jr
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
—Martin Niemöller
Analysis (NotebookLM 12.03.2026)
If you want to listen to the first original raw recording that prompted this poem and analysis please contact me for access Silence Recording May 2024