Contributor: Philip Graybull

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Just because people smile and laugh does not mean that they are happy.
Just because people say nice things does not mean that they have a good heart.
Just because people uphold the law does not mean that they believe in justice.

Because the government says that it is ok, does that mean that they are telling the truth?
Because the church says it is wrong, does that mean that it isn't right?
Because a person wears torn and ratty clothes, does that mean that they are less deserving of respect?

Just because someone does good deeds does not mean that they are not cruel.
Just because someone sees things differently does not make them any more or less than you.
Just because someone has money does not mean that they are wealthy.

Because corporate america says to buy buy buy, does that mean that we should?
Because someone is on medicare, does that mean that they should get a lower standard of health care?
Because the leaders of the world can not agree, should our children be cast into the meat grinder that is war?

Just because we engage in dangerous behavior does not mean we are suicidal.
Just because we can't have it all does not mean that we will not fight for what is ours.
Just because we are different from one another does not mean that we are not all in this together.

Just because our eyes are open...Does not mean that we are not asleep.
The time of the awakening is at hand.


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I live in New Mexico, residing in Albuquerque. I grew up in Taos and write poetry and short stories. I am hoping to publish a collection of my work in the near future.