There were times
when the mean spirited were scattered.
A few rotten
apples in a barrel. A villain or two in
a novel.
There were times
when the mean spirited swarmed,
Historical
eras when the vicious prevailed, and
Plagues of
violence descended like locusts,
Infecting
the lemmings,
Suffocating
the benevolent.
There were
times when the mean spirited
Were cast as
contemptible,
Their sinister
intent indisputable,
Their infamous
fate predetermined and sealed.
Now the
mean spirited are double-sided;
Jekylls and Hydes
cruise around,
Feign a
spirit of good will,
Hide combative
ferocity and devious intent,
Until
scapegoats are found.
Then they
change faces and build their ranks
By slithering
into the hearts of unsuspecting hosts,
By taking
over the discourse, they misrepresent and destroy.
Flaunt their
villainy and laugh
Because they
know it all,
Because they
see pride in cruel, deceitful artistry,
Because they
see pride in a con achieved.
They search
for reasons to hate, for excuses to bully,
any variation, a tone of voice, verbal
offenses
become elaborate narratives sold as believable,
woven without fear of reprisal,
built
to make suffering a sport,
selected
to ensure their quarries
are taken
down with single shots.
Who will search
out these villainous scourges?
Destined to
appear again today and tomorrow,
Who will protect
the scapegoats?
Where are the
staunch defenders?
Where is a
mirror that will reflect
The bully
undisguised?
©cmheuer, January, 2019
