Dylan Thomas Palimpsest

Don’t go quietly with those “good” cops.

Raise arms and they might shoot you dead;

beware at even “routine” traffic stops.

Wise guys know when something “pops”

to duck and run, cover their heads;

they don’t go quietly with those good cops.

Poor workers pushing filthy mops,

no matter what the politicians said

know there are no routine traffic stops.

Wild kids who cruise the evening shops

and realize — too young! — they might be dead

don’t go quietly with those good cops.

A woman takes her smart phone out and drops

it on the seat, recording all that’s said

even at routine traffic stops.

And you, brother, sister, if it crops

up, let this sad truth sink into your head:

Don’t go quietly with those “good” cops.

Danger lurks at every traffic stop.