A Beauty That Has Ceased To Flourish
I am Black...
AND patriotic.
When I say it,
It is disbelieved.
This country has more meaning to me,
Than depleting it with deception.
Or stuffing myself with greed.
As a child I was taught principles I respect.
And when I joined the military,
I was a 'kid' willing to give my life to protect.
And not one person can deny,
I have not shown to do my best.
I've been a victim of disparities.
Racism and neglect.
And I've been declared overqualified,
By those who 'gave' positions...
To those who couldn't pass tests.
Did I get upset?
Yes...
Of course.
But I could never express to anyone,
My life is filled paying attention to hatred.
OR that I feel resentment,
By those who wish me a life of remorse.
I've divorced myself from those fools!
Whatever their color is, was...
Or whatever their designated pretentions.
I've learned that ignorance,
Has many coverings disguising it!
I am Black...
AND patriotic.
When I say it,
It is disbelieved.
This country has more meaning to me,
Than depleting it with deception.
Or stuffing myself with greed.
And it is sad to see,
Hypocrisy destroy...
A beauty that has ceased to flourish.
And investments in humanity,
Become excuses to feed ill mentalities.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I Am A Veteran
I am a veteran.
Once a young patriot who had volunteered,
To join the military.
And it was clear a sacrificing of my life,
Was a possibility.
And yet the thought of it did not frighten me.
I am a veteran.
I did not decide,
To slide over onto Candadian borders...
Thinking I could avoid my responsibility.
With an escaping of a draft I did not receive.
I wanted to protect those deserving of freedom.
I am a veteran.
One of the Vietnam War Era.
I didn't walk the halls of an Ivy League college.
To party in between studying for a degree.
No!
But I did take college courses and studied diligently,
While also performing my military duties.
I am a veteran.
One who is Black 'and' American AND proud to be.
But as a veteran I have learned,
The battles I continue to fight...
Are needlessly fought on the streets of my own country.
With people who did not serve a duty at all...
But feel they are more deserving of entitlements,
And a respect not shown to me.
Yes...
I AM a veteran.
But yet I am expected to support,
Those who feed their greed.
As I am perceived,
Not to be worthy!
And so hard it is for me not to believe,
The color of my skin is the reason for that.
I am a veteran.
Conditioned to aware of the facts.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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From a Time Gone By
Is this surge worse than Viet Nam?
At least back in 1968,
There wasn't so many conflicts going on!
And being a patriotic black young man...
I had returned from the military,
Feeling strong and giving a damn!
I was in the military,
Two weeks after graduating from high school.
Seeking to protect a nation,
Not then realizing...
When I was discharged,
I would be considered a fool!
And I was shown this,
More times than a few!
Especially by those...
Who went on to graduate,
With BA's and MA's and PHd's...
From top notch schools!
And here we are today...
Approaching two thousand and eight!
With our sons and daughters in wars,
They participate.
And I think back then,
How patriotic I had been.
To think I was prepared to give up my life...
So others can have rights,
To denounce me and the color of my skin!
But let me say this...
Not one hint of bitterness,
Within me exist!
Not because of actions,
I consciously did take!
Although it irks me to no end...
To see so many folks make the same mistakes.
As I grow older with the grace I am blessed!
I am so happy
My tattered emotions have been mended.
My inner conflicts have been cured of buried stress.
But I must confess...
The world we live now is in a mess!
Not because of real threats made.
But because of an ignorance accepted and expressed!
People have lost an inner worth it seems.
Gone are visions of fellowship,
To the marketing of schemes and corruption themes!
And the youth of today,
Have one thing on their minds!
How best they can 'get over'...
To obtain 'things'
By committing an assortment of crimes,
They are assisted to define!
As the sacred dollar...
Falls to worthlessness.
I feel my basic needs are those of a relic!
From a time gone by when people just wanted
To 'be' and do their best!
One who seeks peace of mind with quality...
While others seek to feed an endless greed,
From an emptiness that is felt!
Whether or not,
There is conflict and unrest!
And I observe this 'mess'...
Wondering why this humanistic 'slide'
Tumbles into oblivion!
Without more cries of those rejecting this in protest!
And each day that I awaken...
I thank God,
He has put my faith and bravery I have shown...
Through such obstacles and tests of mental strength,
He has produced!
And He and I alone have known!
While others may portray a sympathy...
Just to maintain a materialistic gain.
Without one hint of dignity that remains!
Or none remembered to be sustained!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Many Years Have Now Passed
I was a young patriotic Black man back then.
Wanting to protect 'my' country.
My neighbors.
My family and friends.
When I enlisted into the military!
And when I was 'released'...
Wishing to return to those,
I helped 'free' from the enemies.
I was treated like dirt!
As I observed a clarity of selfishness and greed.
With the same intent that still continues.
As if my efforts...
Even to me made less sense!
And I try not to stay embittered.
Since many years have now passed.
As have many of those comrades I knew...
With remnants lying and now perhaps rotted,
Under manicured grass.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Greed
How much do you really want?
If you had it would it really solve your problems?
Do you realise the pain it causes
Struggling for something you may never get
How much would you sacrifice if I told you I could change your life?
You don't have to take on my advice
Don't do something that you might regret
How much do you really need?
Is it justified or is it greed?
If you satisfy your vanity
If you get to where you think you wanna go
How much is it gonna take?
Will you see it through or will you break?
Cos in the end what will you have to show?
Life can be lonely
When all you have are your possessions
Greed becomes your main obsession
Just take it slowly
If what you want ain't what you need
You've become a victim of your greed
How much do you really feel?
Can you recognise when something's real?
Do you live your life by fake ideals?
Do you think that one day you will get the chance?
What happens if you don't achieve
Will it be enough if you believe
You can just rely on destiny
Don't you know your fate is in your hands
How much is enough for you?
When you reach the top what will you do?
Will you look around for something new?
Without the destination will you carry on?
Will you try day after day
Pretend you don't hear what they say?
What would you do if all your pride was gone?
Life can be lonely
When all you have are your possessions
Greed becomes your main obsession
Just take it slowly
If what you want ain't what you need
You've become a victim of your greed
Cos material possessions ain't the world
(Ain't the world)
Nobody ever bought you happiness with diamonds or pearls
(Diamonds or pearls)
You've gotta look at this for what they really are
(What they really are)
Or you'll find yourself wanting more
Going way too far
Life can be lonely
When all you have are your possessions
Greed becomes your main obsession
Just take it slowly
If what you want ain't what you need
You've become a victim of your greed
Life can be lonely
Just take it slowly
If what you want ain't what you need
You've become a victim of your greed
Life can be lonely
When all you have are your possessions
Greed becomes your main obsession
Just take it slowly
If what you want ain't what you need
You've become a victim of your greed
Life can be lonely
Just take it slowly...
song performed by by Liberty X from Thinking It Over
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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On Their Knees
Theft and deception,
Have been their worst enemies.
And the power of truth,
Reduces them to miseries.
An escape hatch is sought,
As the plunge from their throne is felt!
The misuse of their own citizens,
Inflames them from within.
They can not blame anyone else!
Their struggle to maintain integrity has gone!
Not one of them fed on greed,
Has an identity that is strong.
Listening with patience and correcting their faults...
Had not been a priority.
So on their knees,
Lessons not learned...
To them are brought!
Too late.
To heal from self hatred taught!
So on their knees,
Lessons not learned...
To them are brought!
Too late.
To heal from self hatred taught!
Theft and deception,
Have been their worst enemies.
And the power of truth,
Reduces them to miseries.
So on their knees,
Lessons not learned...
To them are brought!
Too late.
To heal from self hatred taught!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Service to This Country
If there is any experience I've had in my life,
I am most proudest to have accomplished.
Would be my service to this country,
In the military!
In the military,
I experienced true friendship.
Strict discipline.
And was taught 'why' and reasons,
I should and must respect.
The men and women from all walks of life,
Were dedicated and loyal.
And all could trust what was done,
Was to benefit the cause...
Of what was correct and upright!
Those without this experience,
Seem to be superficial, selfish.
Lacking a self respect and/or common sense.
And the military is the only institution,
Where young people grow...
Acquiring a maturity not on the common man bestowed.
And those who treat the ones of military experience...
As people who protect their interests,
And then can easily dispose.
Make foolish judgements based on temptations and whims.
And their insecurities are taken for granted!
And this clearly shows.
If there is any experience I've had in my life,
I am most proudest to have accomplished.
Would be my service to this country,
In the military!
And glad upon my life,
This has been bestowed!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Cost Of Freedom
He died serving our country,
in a land far away.
He gave his life for freedom.
They buried him today.
He loved family more than life,
and had to do what's right.
To protect them and his country,
he joined in the fight.
Next time you see a soldier,
don't just pass him by.
Thank him for his service.
81415He might be next to die.
How great the cost of freedom.
How brave those who defend.
Protect them Lord, that they may
safely come back home again.
poem by Ron Tranmer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sitting in the Middle of Situations Disbelieved
Sitting in the middle,
Of situations disbelieved,
But...
I am slowly adjusting.
Listening to the people,
Quibbling over trivia...
Reduced to bits and pieces,
In discussions rusting...
Over the benefits of broccoli and peas,
Is not for me,
Transforming.
Who's life is invested in this mess manifested?
And why is all of this,
Just a sickening tease.
When so many homeless and hungry...
Continue to go unfed and forced to plead.
Sitting in the middle,
Of situations disbelieved,
But...
I am slowly adjusting.
Am I the only one observing,
A hopelessness regarded...
As a myth and fantasy?
Who's life is invested in this mess manifested?
And why is all of this,
Just a sickening tease.
When so many homeless and hungry...
Continue to go unfed and forced to plead.
A caring done has been lost in squabbles.
Depleting without ceasing,
From an increase of mental instabilities.
A caring done has been tossed to the curb,
As a squeezing from humanity...
Exposes a uselessness felt from those of dignity.
And we...
You and me become completely restricted,
To an acceptance placed before us...
Of a devalued way of life,
Others unconscious declare as their victory.
With an expectation we become use to managing,
An observation that increases...
The sight of insanities.
Delivered by all who are persuaded....
This standard of life 'is' our destiny.
With a fear to be censored,
If we objected with a 'B.S.' expressed.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Someone Not Worthy to Deceive
If I came to the aid of my neighbor struggling...
Would I be then declared a socialist?
If I offered shelter to those homeless and hungry,
Would I be a liberal?
With an agenda that was 'leftist'?
In these United States,
When I was taught to pledge alligence...
To a white and red star encrusted flag.
I believed myself and others together...
To be patriotic and of this we were glad.
But as I look upon this land,
With a separateness done.
And racism to overcome!
I'm stunned by the selfishness,
Of those whose interests...
Are only to feed their greed.
And leave others on the street,
With nothing to eat!
If I came to the aid of my neighbor struggling...
Would I be then declared a socialist?
If I offered shelter to those homeless and hungry,
Would I be a liberal?
With an agenda that was 'leftist'?
And would I care if the 'haves'
Stop to stare at me as if I were trash?
And when they prepare to go to sleep at night...
Are they aware I rest peacefully,
With my eyes closed tight?
I doubt it.
They perceive of me,
As someone not worthy to deceive.
And certainly I'm not a 'conservative'...
Motivated by division and isolated by greed.
'Remember when political choices,
Were either Republican or Democrat?
Now there are subdivisions with divisions within them.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Regression Is the Term
Recession?
How about complete retreat,
From telling lies and deception?
Truth?
There is nothing like it!
However...
How is that introduced?
When none of that has ever been exposed!
Who will believe it?
When minds have been overdosed,
And eyes once shown...
Prefer to stay shut and closed!
Recession?
When something has been squeezed,
With nothing else from it to be released?
Regression is the term,
With a valued lesson from it to be learned.
And a life once lived to feed one's greed...
Shall never back to that kind of life
Will one return!
And that has been the diagnosis!
Accept it or not!
Delusions will still remain the choice,
If one should decide on getting a second opinion!
Or a third.
Or perhaps a fourth!
The truth comes without options.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The One And Only Immortal
Those who do love Nature are blessed indeed
For all of her friends our Earth Mother does need
The one every life form on Planet Earth does feed
Has been made to suffer due to human greed
The greedy for financial gain her beauty try to destroy
A beauty that is meant for all to enjoy
For their crimes humanity may have to pay
That does seem a sad thing for to have to say
The beauty of Nature is an amazing thing
And her praises one ought to feel happy to sing
The one who will be here long after to nothingness we've gone
The only immortal will be living on
And we who abuse her for our financial greed
Are not very clever and self destructive indeed.
poem by Francis Duggan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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What Is...?
What is the meaning of hate?
Is it the dislike of someone different than you?
Or is it the loathing of something simple like broccoli?
What is the meaning of discrimination?
Is it the hatred of someone of a different background?
The hatred of skin color;
Or is it the bitter taste of being different from everyone else?
What is the meaning of uniqueness?
Is it the purpose of being odd and unusual?
The adaptation to your own life and style;
Or is it the stereotypical clan that society has put you?
What is the meaning of life?
Is it that time keeps moving; leaving us in the dust is leaves behind?
The endless stream of consciousness that everything has;
Or is it the meaningless and indefinable thing we give every day?
What is the meaning of death?
Is it that grim reaper knocking at your door?
The inky blackness of nothing;
Or is it something that can’t be defined only experienced when it is time?
Many questions are asked everyday without even meaning to ask them.
They are hidden within the minds of those who are too afraid to speak out;
To let THEIR voices be heard.
So I ask you these questions in hope that you will ask them yourself;
To find the meaning of it for yourself and not what others say it is.
One final question is all I leave you with.
What is the meaning of everything that you thought you knew?
poem by Regan Meade
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The One You Despise
Mother, I must warn you, you've come to look the fool
For, in attempt to teach me life, you've broken every rule.
You say that I should stand proud, because my ancestors were black
Yet for the ones of white and red my pride must somehow lack
You told me to feel handsome, be proud of what I see
And yet, 'Big, black and ugly, ' is all you say to me
Then manners, you tried on me to press
And handsome grooming, with proper dress
But then, you offer no respect,
And, still, from me, perfection expect
And, now, you say it's time to go
And, at eighteen, it's time. I know.
And though I love you I must away
Though, never knowing just how to say,
'I'm sorry'
The one you despise is always there
She's taught me respect, loving and care
She's taught me pride, in my ancestors, all
Because I am me, that's enough to stand tall
She's shown me the beauty in others too
She's even shown me the beauty in you.
She's taught me manners, how to get along
That appreciation and respect should be strong.
She does not worship me as you say, but offers me respect
And even with my imperfection, my trying, she accepts
Were it not for her, when I was in LA
I could hurt myself, or run away
So go ahead, Mother, and call her a whore
You'll only draw me away from you more.
'I'm sorry.'
poem by Wakefield Mahon
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Incredibly Unbelievable
Whenever has it been that something disbelieved,
To be unbelievable...
Was more attention grabbing,
Than that which no one can be convinced...
Is more real than their acceptance of 'reality' defended.
Or the 'reality' that has led to the feeding,
Of that which is perceived to be of a quality...
One should and can believe.
And that which is disbelieved,
Is observed for what it is...
Incredibly unbelievable,
As witnessed to be disbelieved.
'You're back on crack, huh? '
Back?
I do not do drugs.
'Well...
Whatever it is that you do 'do',
You could make a fortune selling that!
'Cause this stuff you are 'rapping'...
Is 'cosmic'.
And you say you don't do drugs?
I find 'that' to be,
Incredibly unbelievable.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Give me a Star,
Give me a Star,
Give me a Star that I may Flow on and on,
In all that is to be Given unto Humanity,
Iam Breathing a Calling,
Let it all be Said unto God's Love and Mercy,
This is my Breathe,
That we are the Max Healing,
The Remedy will Teach me all FLOWS when I see Star from East,
Coming to this Day is the Regime of God's Understanding,
We are not Failing this Moment,
This is the Star that is Better than the planet Earth,
Give me that Calling,
That the Star from within you may Shine,
Iam Teaching all Humane the Value of Time and Grace,
This is the Meaning toward's Peace and HARMONY,
This is what God gave to the Rest of us,
That it is by His Love we are not Hesitating,
Iam feeling that the Composure is a Great Composition,
Eat the Beauty of what God gave to Humanity,
Then see what is the Value for the REST of us,
Their Deception will not Avail,
God will Teach me Love and see a Calling that is a Star,
I will Overcome all Evil within this REGIME,
In that Star is the Beauty that we will not live with Hatred Anymore,
Since my Being is all Flow,
Iam Coming,
Hold on and Keep on Coming with what God gave to the Rest of Humanity,
The Breathe is not ENDING anymore,
Since I came and saw a Man that is Able to Breathe Again,
The STAR will be a Living Legend within any TIMING.
poem by Maxim Muyu
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Facts Of Life Can Be Hard
'Tis a fact of life and facts of life can be hard
You give some people and inch and they will take a yard
They always do take far more than they are due
That greed begets greed happens for to be true
With their type it is never live and let live
They always do take far more than they do give
You give some people a yard and they do take a mile
They know how to cover deception by guile
Their three special people are me, myself and I
And that's how they will be 'til the day that they die
They leave others to live in financial hell
But karma it surely will not serve them well
Yet sad to say some even their praises do sing
But not everyone is like them which is a good thing.
poem by Francis Duggan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Ivy Leaguers Who Cheat
Ivy leaguers who cheat,
To increase their chances of feeding greed...
May deceive,
But...
Don't they reflect a society,
Promoting feasting greed?
Integrity...?
Where is at?
And honesty...?
Where is it at?
Respect has gone.
And that's a fact.
Thieving is on!
And...
Taught when one is born.
Integrity...?
Where is at?
And honesty...?
Where is it at?
Respect has gone.
And that's a fact.
Thieving is on!
And...
Taught when one is born.
Ivy leaguers who cheat,
To increase their chances of feeding greed...
May deceive,
But...
Don't they reflect a society,
Promoting feasting greed?
Thieving is on!
And...
Taught when one is born.
Ivy leaguers who cheat...
Are honored and promoted to feed greed.
This is success for those who seek the best.
No matter if a quality of life...
Bleeds.
Ivy leaguers who cheat...
Are honored and promoted to feed greed.
This is success for those who seek the best.
No matter if a quality of life...
Bleeds.
Integrity...?
Where is at?
And honesty...?
Where is it at?
Respect has gone.
And that's a fact.
Thieving is on!
And...
Taught when one is born.
Ivy leaguers who cheat,
Reflect...
A people who've been taught,
To feed greed.
And feeling they're entitled to feast,
Greed!
And feeling they're entitled to feast,
Greed!
And feeling they're entitled to feast!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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When There's A Meaning To A Pain
When there's a meaning to a pain,
It can make a better life.
It will enrich with understanding coming,
To pay attention to a need.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
Bitter lips shut tight.
And if it is mental and not physical...
Correct and get it right.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
There is something to be learned.
Either cross that bridge and forgive,
Or let the 'thing' burn.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
You can not let it ride.
Or let it burn you deep inside.
Correct,
And get it right.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
Bitter lips shut tight.
And if it is mental and not physical...
Correct,
And get it right.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
It can make a better life.
It will enrich with understanding coming,
To pay attention to a need.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
Someone is giving it a need.
And...
Allowing it to offer,
More attention to feed.
And,
More of attention than it needs!
When there's a meaning to a pain...
Refrain from giving it a name.
When there's a meaning to a pain...
Correct,
And get it right.
Don't let it burn inside.
When there's a meaning to a pain...
Refrain from giving it a name.
When there's a meaning to a pain...
Correct,
And get it right.
Don't let it burn inside.
When there's a meaning to a pain.
Refrain from giving it a name.
When there's a meaning to a pain.
Refrain from giving it a name.
When there's a meaning to a pain!
When there's a meaning to a pain,
Correct and get it right!
Either...
Cross that bridge and forgive,
Or let the 'thing' burn.
When there's a meaning to a pain,
That hits.
Feel it and let it go.
Be quick,
Rid it.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If roses
If rose is symbol of love
I do hold the views and believe
It you say it is crimson red
I certainly follow you to be led
Surely then hatred may have color too
What all stages may have to pass through?
It must be painted black
Humanity is large sufferer and at stake
Love is colorless
But reflects on face
Its centre is at heart
Its origination with art
How can all the three go together?
Some has to opt out from there
Love and hate together is surely impossible
If that is so then clearly inviting troubles
Eyes speak and heart bleeds
When something wrong comes as feed
How come person become blood thirsty?
When concerned by world with humanity
If love is shined with red
Then it has world’s highest grade
What all can we bar and forbid?
Anger, hatred, jealousy and greed
Nights can be dark and frightening
But with days break it can be lightening
Love can be simple note that can be heartening
Everybody to gain without any kind of threatening
Let us celebrate day with wishes and flowers
Let there be no awakening or large followers
Make it point to greet a person with hello or smile
Observe the change when you cross the people for a while
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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Country Alone
There is dreaming land and happy country
Cursed and blessed by her beauty alone
The lost children of the country
Foreign in sweet home alone
Do not understand country
Hardly meaning own name alone
Some praise the country
Some leave and laugh alone
Emptying nectar of country
Satisfying their belly alone
Forget about future seed country
Fight living and growing alone
So tragic for the country
Eaten by her child alone
poem by Maria Sudibyo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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