Yes, They Can

Where a raised voice 

from the ruling or military class

can lead directly to beatings, arrest, torture, & murder 

not only of the accused but of their family & friends

a person will assent to anything 

though she already knows she can’t deliver, 

though he knows the product can't be bought or built,
the order filled, the deadline met.

Even thirty years later 

when lethal stakes no longer hold 

people adopt a docile, accommodating stance –
say they’re not lying – no, it’s their way 

of giving us the answers they think we want.

General/Déspota/Tirano Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri