Neutral Buoyancy

Once you back away, you know
No one’s likely to approve.
Some will say you’re a coward

For not being more involved,
As if there weren’t bravery
In risking disapproval

And weathering it when it comes.
Some will say you have no heart
As if there were no passion

In simple pacifism.
Some will say you’re supporting
Whatever they consider

To be the bad other side,
As if inertia never
Led a system to collapse.

So another fight breaks out,
And you back away, coward,
Traitor, cold fish in the waves.