Let Us

 dVerse Poetics: "Let Them" Write Poetry 

"Write a repetitive poem beginning each line with “Let them”. The topics can be trivial or more emotionally charged. If you like, you could follow each line with a response beginning with “Let me”, continuing the pattern throughout the poem."

I was reading a post on Instagram a few days ago.  The man, who is a wonderful person and supportive of others, took a break over the U.S. long holiday weekend.  While he is usually able to ignore the hateful words (including wished for his baby daughter's death), he needed some time off from it.  Anonymity online makes it all too easy to post what you wouldn't say in person.  That was my inspiration for this prompt. 

Let them point,

and laugh.

Let them take their pics

for social media.

Let them spread their hate

for clicks and likes.

Let us ignore,

and walk on by.

Let us fail to engage,

which will enrage.

Let us take the higher road,

and show no unease.

Let me keep my head

held high, no shame.

Let me hold my tongue,

my eyes ahead.

Let me not react in kind,

tempting though it is.

©2026 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved