When power and wealth...

When power and wealth are all that matters.
When the hypocrites fail to listen.
When people are seen as collateral damage.
When children are seen as fodder for the cannon.

When the powerful fail to take heed.
When they fail to listen to those who know.
When they shrug their shoulders.
When they debase the people.

When we fail to challenge the charlatans.
When we fail to believe we can make a difference.
When we silence our voices. Lower our eyes.
When we close our ears to the warnings.

When we rely on hope.
When we cross our fingers.
When we just carry on.
When we do nothing.

The devil has no need to come knocking.
The door has been left wide open.
He can just walk straight in.
And when he does, he can take
whatever he wants.