My neighbor’s burden,
Why is that of significance?
I cannot see its complexities.
It has no bearing on me.

If tyranny exists in another country,
Within a random family,
If a stranger is grief stricken,
Why should I meddle?

Are the crazy and homeless
Truly voiceless, the poor hopeless,
Prostitutes, more criminals than victims?
Aren’t there others in authority?
Why should every by stander care,
take notice?

Tragedy without warning,
Stirs the affected to action.

I recall Tienanmen Square,
The holocaust, Colorado, nine-eleven,
The Boston marathon.
Wished someone intervened.