Power of authority

To the power that is bestowed upon us,

forgo fear as questions may be asked of you

As power gives no absolution

Guilt creeps in through the holes,

setting up residence as a resolute companion

Until judgement too comes to knock

For the answer may not be yours to hold 

springing from the seemingly unlikely

Hold tight to the power to empathize

May reciprocal respect be the answer for a new day

as corruption may lay in ruins to mark past dues

Truth will never be clear in the arrogance that is assumption

Handle with care a focus to heal all that are broken

Passing by pains fondness to blind us all

As a healing hand reaches out for restorative justice

So that no more silent victims may weep

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in Behind the Facade, Camille’s debut contemporary poetry collection. Power of authority speaks to the ethical burden of power — insisting that empathy, accountability and restorative justice must stand where arrogance, corruption and unchecked judgement once ruled.