Justice Is Blind

By TG

By TG

Justice is blind
or so I’m told
can’t see a thing
through that blindfold

She cannot see
color of skin
wealthiest king
or poorest kin

The Queen’s English
status by words
the ignorant
by misused verbs

My place of birth
my motherland
whether I am
woman or man

Adds to her choice
which way sword steers
she may be blind
but she can hear

Let’s not forget
her weighing scales
where pocketbooks
always prevail

The innocent
weigh a feather
silver or gold
weigh much better

And to her sword
the choice is clear
unbalanced scale
prejudice ear

Justice is fair
I’ve heard men say
because her sword
can cut both ways

Tooth for a tooth
eye for an eye
live by the sword
and you shall die

But if you’re rich
you need not fear
unbalanced scales
whisper in ear

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46 Comments

  1. Judy Mandel on October 13, 2020 at 10:53 AM

    I love the spare use of language here that wields a powerful punch. Well done.



  2. kassidilenae on October 13, 2020 at 1:14 PM

    TG,

    Wow, this poem speaks volumes. Your diction and rhythm keep the poem flowing, and your message is clear. It is difficult to address injustice adequately, but you do it so well. Keep writing! We hear you.

    KC



  3. Cyrill Maceda on October 13, 2020 at 3:43 PM

    This is very empowering to read. The imagery is amazing and it definitely gives a new perspective as to how cruel and dark the American Justice System truly is.



  4. cyrill maceda on October 13, 2020 at 3:46 PM

    The imagery of this poem is very amazing. I was moved by the tone of the poem because not only does it give a different perspective of the American Justice System but it definitely shows how cruel and evil it is.



  5. Joyce on October 13, 2020 at 4:19 PM

    Dear TG,

    This poem is so well written and very powerful and relevant. I like how you use the stanzas with four short lines, it makes the poem clean and flow well. Also, the use of close end rhymes is so skilled — like steers and hear, scales and prevail, feather and better. I am so impressed. The content of the poem is very meaningful, especially in the context of today’s political and social events. You imply that money (pocketbooks, silver, gold) influence Justice’s scales, the world is not as fair as it seems. So sad but true. I really like how you personify Justice, making her a person, because I think a concept can seem perfect and fair, but people are certainly influenceable and flawed. Amazing work.

    Best wishes,
    Joyce



  6. Kennedi on October 13, 2020 at 10:25 PM

    Hey! this poem is really good! I like how you went from describing the statue of the judge to the actual judging that takes place. This poem has good emotion to it. The rhyming is also good. All in all I feel like this poem has a good flow throughout the entire thing!



  7. Andrea Nelson on October 17, 2020 at 1:57 PM

    Overall I really loved your poem. I enjoyed how you broke up your words into short lines to give the poem rhythm. I also think you did a good job of getting your message across clearly and cleverly. I agree that the justice system favors those who are wealthy and white.



  8. LM on October 18, 2020 at 4:24 PM

    TG, your poem is so wonderfully written. It has such a powerful message on the injustice and inequality in our world today. It really highlights how what they try teach us about everything being fair and just is not really how it is. That there is a lot of prejudice in the world. You write very well. I wish you the best.



  9. Ellen on October 18, 2020 at 4:28 PM

    Hi, TG–this is a really interesting poem. Your first line “Justice is blind or so I am told” prepares the reader for the idea that you develop throughout. Your poem shows us that there is a very fine line between justice and injustice.
    Please keep writing.



  10. torriebrowning on October 18, 2020 at 4:28 PM

    A very powerful poem. Please keep writing!



  11. Katarina Marinkovic on October 18, 2020 at 4:41 PM

    Hey TG! I really liked your poem – your writing is amazing. I am impressed how well you use the rhymes and how realistic your poem is. I really like the seventh stanza about the innocent weighing a feather that weighs much better. Keep on writing!



  12. Lexi on October 18, 2020 at 4:42 PM

    Hi TG, thank you for sharing this poem. This is beautifully written and eloquently critiques an element of our society that absolutely needs to be reformed — the justice system. “And to her sword
    the choice is clear
    unbalanced scale
    prejudice ear” is one of my favorite stanzas I’ve ever read in any poem; it is so impactful as it succinctly yet artfully describes the flaws in our justice system, and how our justice system is inherently designed to punish certain people more than others. This poem is very insightful and powerful — please keep writing.



  13. Maddie on October 19, 2020 at 2:10 PM

    TG, I really enjoyed reading this poem. I read it several times, and with each read I understood deeper meanings to lines I had brushed over in previous reads. I feel I now I have a full sense of what you intended to convey, and it is a powerful message. I like how you personified justice; it is a clever way of illustrating the unequal ways in which justice is served. Thank you for sharing this perspective! Best wishes.



  14. Anna on October 19, 2020 at 4:18 PM

    This poem is so important. This is truly impactful and is bringing attention to the injustice that the world sees today. Speaking out against the injustice and drawing attention to it is so important in moving forward with change. The disadvantages people are facing due to poverty is overwhelming and the system is most definitely not looking out those who face that challenge. Thank you so much for sharing your impactful words with the community.



  15. armani739 on October 19, 2020 at 10:14 PM

    Great poem written here about justice and injustice. We are now in 2020 and the fight against systemic racism and injustice for people with an abundance of beautiful melanin is still alive. I also enjoyed the set up of the poem. Every four lines feels as if that alone can suffice as it’s own message.

    Thank you,
    TG



  16. Dyemone on October 20, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    Hello TJ,

    I would like to say first, that this poem was amazing. The way you used descriptive words to write about justice as if it was a real person was astonishing. The title of this describes exactly what the poem is about. It’s quite heartbreaking to see how the justice system is and how it’s working. I hope one day that change will come. Please continue to write.



  17. Katrina on October 20, 2020 at 12:25 PM

    This is absolutely amazing!So philosophical and thought provoking!



  18. Eva on October 20, 2020 at 7:16 PM

    TG, the world is horribly unfair and you capture that beautifully. The contradictions in life that people of different colors, beliefs, sexualities, genders, etc, have to face are plentiful and only by comparing them like this is it obvious how vast these differences are. Too often do we see minority and subculture groups being stereotyped and bullied by mainstream society. Even now, with technology linking people half a world apart, the families down the street are still struggling. As much as I don’t know your situation, I can empathize with my own experiences of injustice and inequality.



  19. Jescie Roberts on October 20, 2020 at 10:01 PM

    I am very impressed with the poetry here and the imagery the author portrays! I feel like usually when I read poetry I can get lost in what the writer is trying to convey but this poem very easily showed me the story that was being told! I loved the use of rhyming patterns to make the poem flow off the tongue almost like a song and I was very interested to see the different types of injustice in the world such as rich/poor, men/women, black/white and I feel like this poem took a stand and message to these worldly views! Great Job!



  20. Tanner Freeman-McMurray on October 22, 2020 at 1:56 PM

    I love the contrast between the varying details of personality and status and how Justice is suppose to unbias. The note of Justice being “blind” and yet still can “hear” shows that there is still some factors that may sway her decision. The idea that ones pockets and money can sway her opinion displays the concept that she will allow somethings to happen as long as she is bribed; therefore, this begs the question if she is really Justice or just another business. On a side note, I personally believe that the “justice” that we see is not real justice. The world is always concerned with “what” someone does and not “why.” Real justice doesn’t just condemn someone for stealing, but instead asks “why did they steal?” Should a woman be punished for stealing food when it was to feed her child? Real justice looks deeper than the action, it asks the intention.



  21. Logan on October 22, 2020 at 3:54 PM

    Hello, TG! I read your poem and I gotta say, it was powerful stuff. It started with the idea that Justice is blind, and not once did you need to stop and state she isn’t blind. I really feel what I think you’re trying to say, and I would agree. There is a lot of injustice in our supposed justice system, and I wish there was something I could do to change that. Maybe after high school? Should I be so lucky. Your poem just has a depth to it that I really appreciate, and I think you could even be a good lyricist if you wanted. The rhyme scheme felt good to say aloud. I hope that one day Lady Justice can be fair like she should be, but until that day I’ll treasure your poem as a beautiful work of English.



  22. Cameron on October 23, 2020 at 5:10 PM

    TG, I love this poem! I really enjoyed your word choice, especially with each time you say something about what justice claims to be. We are always told that everything is fair and just, but you’re exactly right—the scales of justice are imbalanced in favor of the rich. Additionally, I really like the two lines: “She may be blind/ but she can hear.” I thought those were so powerful, and did a really great job of describing our current (in)justice system. Overall this poem is extremely well written, and I’m excited to read more from you!



  23. Kathy TG on October 25, 2020 at 6:25 PM

    What a fantastic poem! Both skillful and wise. Thanks for sharing it.



  24. Derek H. on October 26, 2020 at 11:48 AM

    Hey TG! Justice being served on the basis of wealth or bias is one of the cruelest injustices occurring in America today. The way you’re able to capture that with references to pocket books, silver and gold captivated me. Definitely keep writing, your voice is speaking for thousands who have been silenced. Change will come!



  25. Milana on October 28, 2020 at 2:38 PM

    This poem is extremely well-written. You perfectly conveyed the injustice in our justice system. The rhyming and flow were spot on and that attributed to the powerful message you conveyed. Inequality and injustice are big issues in our world and I hope one day it will end.



  26. Anish Kaza on October 28, 2020 at 2:41 PM

    Your use of personification and the way you described words was really powerful and touching. There is a lot of injustice in our justice system.



  27. Bill on October 28, 2020 at 2:41 PM

    Hello TG,

    Your words really have powers. I appreciate your poem. Injustice still exists in the modern days, and because of the power dynamics, not everyone is willing to call it out sometimes. Thank you for sharing your voices to us, as we are also standing with you. You are a role model, an advocate, and a strong person. Through your words, I see the power and the impact, and once again, I cannot thank you more for sharing that.

    Sincerely,
    Bill



  28. Uva Dasari on October 28, 2020 at 2:41 PM

    Hi TJ! Thank you for writing this poem, I really enjoyed how eloquently it was phrased and how you were able to articulate your feelings with regards to this. Your poem also led me to reflect in my ideas and understand another perspective. Thank you for sharing!



  29. T. on October 28, 2020 at 3:00 PM

    Hello TG,
    Thank you for sharing your poetry. The use of rhyme and rhythm were really interesting. The short, powerful stanzas make this poem very accessible. It is unfortunate how money tips the scales. There are, as you’ve mentioned in your poem, other categories and prejudices that the justice system is also unfortunately swayed by, but I feel your emphasis on wealth. The justice system explicitly holds the wealthy to different standards. Thank you for your poem. It was a moving reminder to the unjust nature of the current system.



  30. Phuong Nguyen on October 30, 2020 at 3:01 PM

    Powerful words! I especially love the imagery that you use. They really convey the crude reality of what is deemed as “justice” as we see them. The rhymes are beautiful, and the stanzas almost have a musical beat to them. Keep up the good work!



  31. Martina Merrill on October 30, 2020 at 3:25 PM

    TG this poem send chills down my arms in such a wonderful way, you have such a talent. You take such care in selecting the right words to send the most powerful message. The last stanza just leaves you wanting more of your poetry. I truly hope you always continue to write. Your words can shake the core of a person’s soul. I hope other’s read this poetry and realize that though justice is blind we must keep her accountable for the words that can sway.



  32. Angela on October 31, 2020 at 4:11 PM

    This poem is very clear and pointed. It makes a powerful statement, and does so very well.



  33. Brittani Forman on November 2, 2020 at 10:53 AM

    Hi TG!

    Such a powerful poem. It did not say too much but said enough. Nice spare language. It flows very nicely and rhymes just enough. I would have so much fun analyzing this poem. Keep it up!



  34. JM on November 2, 2020 at 1:03 PM

    Dear TG,

    I particularly enjoyed the stanza of this poem where you wrote:

    The Queen’s English
    status by words
    the ignorant
    by misused verbs

    For me, this speaks to the way that we categorize certain language as “correct” and other language as “incorrect” when language is actually alive and always changing. This stanza, for me, really reflects the power that language has, and particularly poetic language, because in poetry the standard rules don’t need to apply and yet meaning can still be communicated– and often more impactfully than it is in “standard” language.

    I really enjoyed this poem, and I hope you will keep writing, and changing language in the process.

    Best,
    JM



  35. Allison Bai on November 9, 2020 at 12:52 PM

    Hello TG,

    You’re absolutely right. When I read or watch the news, I often feel very angry at the way wealthy individuals appear above the law. It boggles my mind some of the things celebrities, politicians, and business people seem to get away with. This is a great poem. Your writing flows so well and your wordplay is lovely. The imagery you employ when you talk about weighing scales is particularly powerful. Most of all, I feel this is such an important topic you’ve chosen to explore. You reflect sentiments many of us share. I hope that you continue to share your experiences and thoughts. Many times, I’m at a loss at how to navigate this unequal world. I suppose, in the very least, we can all strive for justice and peace in our interactions with others.

    Thank you for sharing,
    Allison.



  36. Sabryn Ferchichi on November 10, 2020 at 6:32 PM

    TG,

    I thoroughly enjoyed the truths you spoke in volumes in this poem and was extremely powerful. When reading, I felt this fit with our political climate and how there isn’t always justice. The scale can be weighed by those who are more powerful and rich. This was an inspirational read though and I can sense much awareness. Not only that, but your rhyme scheme flows well and good iambic meter. Your imagery also brings your message to life! Great read, thank you!



  37. Adrian Kocinski on November 11, 2020 at 3:10 PM

    This poem really resonated with me. There are so many injustices within the justice system some of which we don’t even realize. I think you bring up an important idea that justice may never be just. While people each have their own individual biases, justice should not be swayed by money or prejudice. Your ideas are so powerful!



  38. Lexi on November 12, 2020 at 2:13 PM

    I love the power behind this poem. Beautifully written with very strong thoughts behind it. Keep up the great work, TG!



  39. Lamia Tahsin on November 18, 2020 at 8:30 PM

    TG, your poem is such a well-written reflection of how justice is supposed to blind yet it is not. It’s interesting of you to create a juxtaposition between the expectation of justice being equal to all and justice being influenced by money and power. Your choice of words and phrases are very interesting here too as they really allow me to visualize what justice is painted to us as is along with the real image of what it is. Loved this poem!



  40. Erik Celis on November 19, 2020 at 9:26 PM

    Beautiful. This one of a kind piece beautifully displays the injustice in Law and Persecution. All the raw imagery encapsulate the power of wealth deciding court turnouts. Yes, judges is obligated to hear both sides of the story but the results are already determined when he heard dollars talking.



  41. Clifford on November 20, 2020 at 4:53 PM

    Hey TG! Awesome poem. The poem was written fantastically.



  42. Christine Shelton on November 20, 2020 at 5:59 PM

    I love the emotional power that is expressed through your poem. Additionally, the rhyme of this poem adds a depth to it, and is incredibly well done. I also love that although each of your stanzas and lines were short, that the words you used were very impactful. This is a very moving poem and I appreciate being able to read it!



  43. Grishma on November 21, 2020 at 4:42 PM

    Hi TG! This poem is well-written and has such a powerful message! The way you’re able to make such strong societal commentary with short stanzas is incredible. Thank you for sharing this. My favorite section was “Let’s not forget her weighing scales where pocketbooks always prevail”



  44. Justin Lambert on November 21, 2020 at 6:42 PM

    This was an amazing analogy, my faith in the justice system is all but gone. The saying that “justice is blind” os such a popular one, but I don’t think that anyone knows how untrue it actually is. It honestly feels like the color of our skin and the weight of our pocket books is all that matters to the justice system nowadays.



  45. Callie Cloran on December 13, 2020 at 9:58 AM

    TG, I am very impressed with this poem and felt the emotions from it. I wish you the best as you continue to display such beauty through your words. God bless!!



  46. sunny805 on January 6, 2021 at 5:53 PM

    TG,

    Your poem is so powerful and speaks volumes! I cannot wait to read your future poems!



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