They Said They Were After Criminals

“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, The Quiet Witness Poet, is a Southern California writer whose work explores democracy, race, caregiving, historical memory, faith, and social justice. His work has appeared in Litro Magazine, The New Verse News, Dissident Voice, Urban Pen Magazine, and Urban Poems. Read other articles by Jim, or visit Jim's website.