flames, tears, and the familiar song

a city in flames,
a world in tears.
prosecution continues,
promises are given
threats are constantly made.
an early grave
for many strangers,
whilst from podiums
big words are uttered,
using tears for fuel.
for many
hopelessness has arrived,
nowhere to go,
nothing left to do.
only mocking stars
in the sky,
and the laughter echoes cruelly
across the moonless night.
memories from many years ago,
unlived, yet heard and experienced,
and it all comes back.
a fort,
barricades,
discrimination
based upon race and faith.
same old song,
and as trained monkeys
in the corner we shall all dance.
a city in tears,
a world in flames;
once more,
the images graphic,
the tv is on
dinner is wolfed down.
life stops,
life continues.
and the roundabout just completed a full turn;
time to start all over,
same sights
new faces,
old fears.