Then They Came – A Modern Interpretation of Niemöller’s Classic
This poem is written in the tradition of Martin Niemöller’s “First They Came…”.
It reflects how silence is trained and justified in modern societies — not only through fear, but through reassurance, moral language, and appeals to order and responsibility.
Then They Came
By Samantha Doyle
First they came for “ANTIFA,”
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about law and order.
Then they came for protestors,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about keeping the peace.
Then they came for the Muslims,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about security.
Then they came for migrants,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about the border.
Then they came for DEI,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was just policy.
Then they came for scientists and experts,
And I did not speak out
Because they said ordinary people knew better.
Then they came for women’s healthcare,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was a matter for the states.
Then they came for trans people,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about protecting children.
Then they came for pronouns,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was common sense.
Then they came for books in schools,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about age-appropriateness.
Then they came for what we filmed and shared,
And I did not speak out
Because they said it was about responsibility.
Then they came for me,
And there was no one left
Who cared.