When we refuse
To treat humans
As humans

And instead
Treat them
As pets

Or worse--
As refuse...

We are
All complicit
In the
Dehumanization

Of those in
The nation
Who most
Need
Their humanness
Seen
And honored
And respected
And protected.

And how dare
We do less?

How dare we
Kill and abandon
The very same
People
We've sworn
To protect?