Passing the Test
Where were you when the child next door
Was hurt in domestic fight?
Or teenage gang on the street you saw,
Set the homeless man alight?
And where were you when drunken thugs,
King hit an innocent man?
Or the desperate youth in need of drugs
Stole the lady’s purse and ran.
At the office party how did you act
When the woman cried in fear
As the boss immodestly made attack
And only you were near?
What did you do when your wayward son,
Begged you to lie to the law?
And you came to know he was on the run,
From a crime that no one saw.
Were you there when illegal migrants you saw?
Looked for your sympathy.
But you turned them in, for that was law
With no hint of empathy.
How did you act toward the family near
When the neighbour’s work was lost?
Their financial situation it was clear
Needed help the most.
Every day in our challenging life
We’re judging right from wrong,
And the choices made in this life of strife
Can make us weak or strong.
And it’s easy for us to others blame,
When choices manifest.
But what about me in situations same
Would I pass the right-wrong test?
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© Copyright 2021 Ian Grice, “ianscyberspace.” All rights reserved
ianscyberspace 
Your words are powerful. They prompt us to recall those moments when we had to decipher between right and wrong. I like Cindy’s comment, “Life is a gray soup.” It is indeed, unfortunately. Wonderful and thought-provoking poem, Ian.
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Thank you for your welcome comment 🙂
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It is a thought provoking poem full of truths – Thank you. indeed where was I?
I’m one who seldom acts,
‘Stay out of trouble.’ I say,
When theft and usury are facts,
Then I don’t want to turn away.
For I hate crimes of greed
Un-phased by right or wrong test,
Made by those who have no need
And tell us it is all for the best.
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I really liked that contribution in poem Jane.
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I struggle with right and wrong everytime I pass a person panhandling at a street corner. Most times in life, difficult situations have no black and white answer. Life is a gray soup.
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While right and wrong are absolutes I totally agree that in today’s world its often very hard to make that distinction.
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Ian, a wonderful poem on the judgment/compassion divide. ❤
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Not easy to negotiate the difference in today’s world Jane.
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No, not easy at all, Ian. Your poem captures it. ❤
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