Fay Slimm - Closing Ranks

Something extra is needed to describe what occurs
When we know ranks are closing. They say not a word.
But the feeling of stifle permeates air.
It's silent effusion is spread everywhere.

Faces take on avoidance hiding confusion,
Yes hiding behind this look of exclusion.
Politeness reigns when secrets lie covered
In stone-walling glances, but no-one seems bothered
As lips become tighter shade by pert shade.

Where does it end this deception encountered
When money or death needs the ghosts to be laid.?
It's nigh universal this being afraid
To speak simple truth, more than words left unsaid.

Ranks were closed tightly once long ago when
Against all innocence deemed blasphemy- Lo.! they
Took out the Nazarene, stoned and abused him
Religion-fired zealots despicably used him.

These lessons of closure still fall on deaf ears
Never learned in the telling. How many more years
Will battle formation by closure, shut,
Not only mouths but encase feared fears.?

Fay Slimm

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/closing-ranks/