They Said They Were After Criminals

by Jim Kelly / August 9th, 2026

“Hear what they say, and watch what they do.”
—adapted from a proverb of unknown origin

They said
they were after criminals.

Many heard the speeches:

“We’ll get the criminals out of here.”

Many believed
they meant
robbers,
killers,
and rapists.

Some of us,
with far less faith,
heard something else.

We translated those promises
to mean
people of color.

“Take my country back.”

“Lower my taxes.”

It was never
only about that.

Hear what they say.

Watch what they do.

Jim Kelly is a 72-year-old African American poet from Lakewood, California. Writing as The Quiet Witness, he explores caregiving, memory, social justice, faith, aging, and the dignity of ordinary lives. A longtime volunteer dementia caregiver support group facilitator, his work reflects a commitment to witnessing with compassion and encouraging deeper understanding through poetry. Read other articles by Jim.

This article was posted on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 at 8:00am and is filed under Poetry.