Raising the Stakes

In troubled times, when people join,
United in resistance,
They share a common hope to find
A peaceful coexistence.

Perhaps they march or chant or sing
While others watch and wonder
If change can be the end result
Of anger’s zeal and thunder.

Or will the protests and the pleas
Fade back to what we’re used to
Before our phones replaced the need
For any network’s news crew?

The expectation now is that
Events may yet compel us
To raise the stakes and seek reform,
But only time will tell us.