We watched as the president spoke on the television, all of us sitting still, creating indents on the sofa.

We watched as the chemical weapons fell, eating our takeout from foul-smelling boxes.

We rapid-fired through the channels, glimpsing bullets piercing bruised flesh.

Others rioted in the background of our dinner parties, their voices muted so as not to disturb.

We tut-tutted about the terrible famine before taking another forkful of breakfast.

We watched as they were led away from the comfort of our living rooms.

We never wondered where they went. 

We watched

                   watched

                                 watched

                                                 watched

                                                                                                      …. but never did a thing