As the fog of history lifts
& I think of all who've come before
this inquiry surfaces:
"Why did you allow those nightmares to be?"
"Why did you permit the rise of dictators
& mutations of humanity?"

Such questions become easy with the buffer of history,
yet at times I wonder
whether others will look at me & whisper
"Why did you allow the villains of your day to prosper?
Why didn't you help more people in need?"

Am I not every bit as guilty
as all placing comfort over conscience
or rationalizing injustice azz inevitability?