Once upon a time, in a world serene,
People lived their lives, away from the screen.
But as the internet grew, its hold expanded,
Unnoticed changes, our attention disbanded.
Voices emerged, with followers and fans,
Opinions shared, power in their hands.
Revolution sparked, fighting for what's right,
But power unchecked can bring forth blight.
For the power to fight for change and more,
Can also destroy, leaving hearts sore.
A concept ingrained, innocence presumed,
Began to shift, as darkness loomed.
No longer true, this concept we held dear,
Safety eroded, replaced by fear.
Guilty until proven innocent, they cried,
Allegations alone, enough to deride.
Voices raised, no evidence required,
Lives shattered, unjustly mired.
In their quest for change, they failed to see,
The pain inflicted, the lives set free.
Guilty until proven innocent, they proclaimed,
No need for proof, just words inflamed.
A simple accusation, a life undone,
Locked away forever, with no chance to run.
By this logic, a finger pointed in haste,
A cry of victimhood, a life laid to waste.
No need for proof, power in our hands,
To ruin lives with a shout above the bands.
But allegations alone cannot suffice,
In our everyday lives, we must think twice.
Evidence is the key, to judge and condemn,
Presumption of innocence, we must defend.
Our voices hold power, a force untamed,
But used without thought, they can bring shame.
In our digital realm, real lives are at stake,
Let's wield our power with care, for goodness' sake.
Before we stand for a cause, or lend our support,
Let's ensure we have evidence, a solid fort.
For our words shape lives, in the real world,
And the impact can be profound and unfurled.
The internet may thrive on hate and despair,
But we can rewrite the narrative, show we care.
Let's fill it with love, with compassion and grace,
And create a digital space where kindness takes place.
For only love and understanding can truly fight,
Against the darkness, against the spite.
So let us choose our words with utmost care,
Knowing the weight they carry, the burdens they bear.
Let empathy guide us, in all that we do,
To uplift and support, to help others through.
In this digital age, let's remember the way,
To uphold justice, to brighten each day.
Presumption of innocence, let it prevail,
And let love and kindness forever prevail.
By: A. Monette