When will you act?
When the standpipe croaks
And there is no food? 
When the wind blows?
That is too late. 

On the government's decree,
Or an address by Her Majesty?
Perhaps when you hear it on the BBC?
Too late.

How about when teachers, lawyers, reverends and grandmothers
Keep getting themselves arrested,
And would-be parents refuse to have children,
And kids are striking from school?
All happening now.

No.
You must be waiting for your family, colleagues, and neighbours to move.
Then you will know. 
But that is you.

© JONATHAN OATES 2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED