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Poetry Sunday: We Are Not Responsible by Harryette Mullen

Searching for a poem to feature this week, one that might express the zeitgeist of the moment, I came across this one. It was first published in 2002 but it seemed to perfectly fit this moment in 2025. See if you agree.

We Are Not Responsible

by Harryette Mullen

We are not responsible for your lost or stolen relatives.
We cannot guarantee your safety if you disobey our instructions.
We do not endorse the causes or claims of people begging for handouts. 
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. 

Your ticket does not guarantee that we will honor your reservations. 
In order to facilitate our procedures, please limit your carrying on. 
Before taking off, please extinguish all smoldering resentments. 

If you cannot understand English, you will be moved out of the way. 
In the event of a loss, you’d better look out for yourself. 
Your insurance was cancelled because we can no longer handle
your frightful claims. Our handlers lost your luggage and we
are unable to find the key to your legal case. 

You were detained for interrogation because you fit the profile. 
You are not presumed to be innocent if the police 
have reason to suspect you are carrying a concealed wallet. 
It’s not our fault you were born wearing a gang color. 
It is not our obligation to inform you of your rights. 

Step aside, please, while our officer inspects your bad attitude. 
You have no rights we are bound to respect. 
Please remain calm, or we can’t be held responsible 
for what happens to you. 

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Comments

  1. David M. Gascoigne,July 6, 2025 at 6:29 AM

    It is absolutely chilling and reflects what is happening. Who ever dreamed that a country that beckoned immigrants as part of its very creed could come to this?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzJuly 7, 2025 at 8:48 AM

    Whew. Yes, chilling is the word. I have family that could easily be profiled, and that hits close to the bone. I think it's only when you have experienced this or you have close friends or family who have experienced this that most people realize, Oh dear, this could be bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 7, 2025 at 11:20 AM

      We, too, have friends, neighbors, family members who are potentially vulnerable and, yes, it could be very bad. what has this country become?

      Delete
    2. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzJuly 11, 2025 at 10:18 AM

      We must do everything we can, short of violence, to keep our country in alignment with the Constitution. I will continue to speak up about violations of the Constitution and to speak truth wherever I can.

      Delete
    3. Dorothy BordersJuly 11, 2025 at 10:41 AM

      It's the very least that each of us can do.

      Delete

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