June 22nd, 2020Changing Times:

The times they are a-changing,

So Bob Dylan sang some time ago.

With ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests all over the world,

Maybe it’s finally so.

In a world where the ‘Haves’ have so much,

While the ‘Have-nots’ have so little to show.

It’s hard for those kept deliberately ignorant,

And easy for those in the know.

We are born equal in the eyes of God,

But not in the eyes of man.

While some enjoy privilege from the moment of birth

Others fight for what little they can.

Afro-Americans kept down by a system:

A modified form of the slave trade,

Kooris and Native Americans in war,

Hard sacrifices for their country made

Believing the while it would bring to them,

The right to be living free.

“Thanks, guys, you did a great job,

Now get back into your slavery.”

Black deaths in custody, an ongoing issue,

On both sides of the Pacific.

Four hundred and thirty two in Australia alone

Since 1991 to be more specific.

Black deaths and police brutality,

Are symbols of a sick society,

While privilege for the rich and white

Is the leaders’ first priority.

In a land of boundless potential,

The leaders are deliberately blind.

“Anyone can make it big.” They say,

But too many start from way behind.

Protest and marches have happened before,

But the momentum too soon has passed.

Yes, the times are a-changing, Bob,

But how long is it going to last?

– Gordon Nightingale

Gordon Nightingale is a retired design draftsman who has turned to writing to keep his mind alert. He has involvement with U3A, Daylesford Motorfest and the Hepburn regional community.