Even with Their Sunglasses On
I do not pussyfoot or beat around bushes.
And I don't get offers to speak sweet messages either.
Not publicly.
I am prone to be...
Less controlled by proper etiquette.
How boring can people get?
In fact...
In the middle of my presentations remembered,
People were riveted to their seats.
Undecided whether it was safe to exit,
Or stay fixed in one place to slowly breathe.
My last poetry reading...
I stripped bare!
There was static in the air.
And I needed to clear it.
And those witnessing in a state of shock,
Did their best to keep eye contact with me.
They knew I was there to deliver a message,
With a package unwrapped and firm...
Then!
And I was proud to be able to reach such heights.
The older I get,
I have noticed my emphasis has drastically changed.
Today...
People have raised their expectations much too high.
Even with their sunglasses on...
I can still tell where the focus of their attention is!
And it is not on listening to a word I have to say.
So I have discovered another more appropriate way,
To rise to the occasion.
I have not lost my ability to entertain.
It isn't easy finding more effective ways,
To handle my business.
And...
At least get 'someone' to appreciate my efforts.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
It's Like That
There were many shadows,
From time to time...
In my mind,
Just hiding there...
In those crevices and cracks.
There were many shadows,
Wearing hats and caps...
And their faked grins...
Following me,
Like that.
There were many shadows,
Seen in my mind.
Shadows I'd see behind,
Other shadows...
Keeping me awake.
I could not shake them.
With messages to deliver.
Messages for me...
To pay attention.
And...
That's a fact.
People get the message,
Just like that.
And berate it with attitude.
People get the message,
Like that.
People get the message,
Like that.
Yet berated it with attitude.
And...
It's like that.
Open your eyes to facts.
And, it's like that.
That's a fact.
Wishing to stay abused and confused...
There are people just like that.
And that's a fact.
People get the message,
Just like that.
But they believe that they can pay...
To have things done their way,
And...
People get the message,
Just like that.
And too late...
That's a fact.
People get the message,
Just like that.
And berate it with attitude.
Wishing to stay abused and confused...
Just like that.
And that's a fact.
There were many shadows,
From time to time...
In my mind,
Just hiding there...
In those crevices and cracks.
There were many shadows,
Wearing hats and caps...
And their faked grins...
Following me,
Like that.
People get the message,
Like that..
But berated it with attitude.
And...
Today we see it living.
With moody blues to choose,
And...
It's a fact.
It's like that.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Him! ...Who? ...He!
Don't you get so obsessed,
To forget what's important to you.
Remember that.
And apply that message,
Where it applies.
'What is that suppose to mean?
What are you talking about? '
I don't know,
I just deliver them.
'Deliver what? '
Messages.
'Messages?
What kind of messages?
And from whom? '
You know?
Messages from Him.
'Him?
Him who? '
You know.
Him! ...Who? ...He!
'Hem Wu Hees?
That Chinese Restaurant? '
Naw, man!
Forget it.
Forget I said anything to you.
Have a good day.
'You tell them,
My liking General Tso chicken...
Is not for public announcement.
Deliver 'that' message.
And you stay out of my business.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Made For TV Movie
I heard a word from on high
Clear like a light in the sky
It said, "quit blowing each other up"
The voice seemed so crystally clear
Some things are clean in your ear
When only blood fills your cup
Hello
I'm trying to focus, but my eyes deceive me
Focus
I'm witnessing history repeating
It fell like a tear from my eye
Flying machines so up high
Well, there goes the neighborhood
A scene set to singe innocence
Upheave, unhinge, and pit against
Like every made for TV movie should
Hello
I'm trying to focus, but my eyes deceive me
Focus
I'm witnessing history repeating
Focus, Focus
Focus (I can see now)
We are, we know, we see, we think for you
The who, the what, the when, the where, the why
We build your hill, we build you too, we see you
Hello
I'm trying to focus, but my eyes deceive me
Focus
I'm witnessing history repeating
song performed by by Incubus
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Poetic Experience (Number Four)
poetry lost itself,
lost it's connection,
and its ability to be
effective when it became
a secluded form, wrapped
in the academic world,
shaped by form and vague
images and intricate patterns.
but there have always been
those who walked a different
path, who dared!
for poetry to again reach
the hearts of the masses, we
have to speak their language!
we have to use images and
experiences that the common
man and woman both understand,
and have felt. we have to be real!
poetry is not a large volume
that sits on a shelf unopened...
poetry is the heartbeat of the people.
it has to taste like people, feel
like people, and stink like people!
at this late and urgent time,
it has nothing to do with praise,
with awards, or with fame...
it has to do with reaching out
into the sweat and the excrement,
the longing and the hurting, the
anger and the lostness... reaching
out and touching... i dont care if
anyone remembers my name 20 years
from now... what i care about is
whether what i write brings redemption
and healing to the human spirit!
poem by Eric Cockrell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Are persons people?
and he says
you don’t write poetry to please people, you know
that’s with a comma after people
you write poems to please you
with shock lines like I still treasure
our first condom oh my love
to show that you’re cool and hip
but she says why write poems at all
if they don’t please people
men have such egos I suppose
it’s because they can’t have babies
but who are people anyway, how
many persons make a people or
how few persons and are they
a random mix or is there like
a recipe, some of this lot some of that
he says people who know about these things
like poetry but how do you know
which are the people who know
I’m not sure I know he knows for a start
and she says well ordinary people
so what then do you slide up
to a bus queue when there’s no
bus in sight and say look you’re
ordinary people I’ve been looking for you
yeah watch them give you a nasty look
and skedaddle pretending they remembered
they were due some place else
I’m beginning to wonder if people really exist
I mean as such but I’ll have to stop there
my PC says it’s run out of virtual memory
that’s another thing I don’t understand
maybe people are just a virtual memory too
I’m beginning to wonder if anyone knows
what *people* should think about poetry
maybe they should just write it throw it away
see who picks it up and not never nohow talk about
other *people’s* poetry
poem by Michael Shepherd
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Inventive Thinking And Creative Ways
How can something so vital,
And necessary to the growth...
Of the minds to advance the education,
Needed for today's children to compete...
Be not a focus of those revealed,
To be graduating with degrees.
With a stimulation done to their imaginations.
But...
A stimulation needed,
Is said to be essential...
To their creative thinking process?
A cheating on tests,
Has yet to prove beneficial.
And today...
People find it difficult to address,
That those with performing arts as their background...
Are found flipping burgers,
Or waiting on tables.
When those discovered to be incompetent,
Irresponsible and lack accountablility...
Can not read nor write.
Or recite what has been written.
And yet...
Are hired to perform tasks for corporations,
That now confess...
They seek people who can read, write...
Do the math, entertain, produce AND direct.
But left to find this pool of talent,
Overseas.
What is missing in the minds of those,
Selected to have the qualities...
That determines they are qualified to lead?
Impressive looks?
Or is it image?
And everything created that has succeeded,
Has come from the minds of those...
Innovative enough,
To make lives more lazier today...
By their inventive thinking and creative ways.
And it is difficult to compete,
With those consistently keeping...
Their minds fixed upon staying in rhythm,
And in tune with the beat of things.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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To Get One's Point Across
It is not easy,
To capture the attention of the minds today.
Whatever the message relayed,
Has to be quick with a meaning attached to it.
With content that is agreed upon,
To leave those listening...
With some comprehension left to discuss.
And...
If delivering the message naked,
There is a benefit of an allowance...
To have what is not heard when first spoken,
Requested to be said over and over again.
From every possible angle to get one's point across.
Ensuring the bare essentials are remembered and understood.
Today...
We must try 'everything' deemed necessary,
To reach the minds of our overexposed children...
With a purpose to prepare them and their minds,
For the world in which we live.
Protecting them from reality is not going to do it.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Dumbfounding Those With A Nose Disease
There is a solution,
For those who become irritated...
By others who seem not to be able,
To mind their own business.
It is suggested to develop multiple interests,
In diverse areas...
That appear to be completely disconnected,
By the ones infected by this nose disease.
Announce publicly a specific interest,
That will attract nose diseasers to focus on it...
With their creative comments, criticisms, etc.
While those other areas of interests...
Are free to flourish without detection.
Until,
Of course...
An unsuspecting attention is given,
As a flourishing noticed begins.
Dumbfounding those with a nose disease,
With the shutting of their puzzled mouths
These and other antidotes to protect one's business,
As well as one's happiness in communities...
Where an active dipping into other people's business,
Satisfies a cost effective entertainment...
Can be implemented to decrease aggravation.
With thought and aggressive conscious strategy applied.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Thats Where You Take Me
Thats where you take me
Oh baby oh baby
Oh baby oh baby
In love and no believe
Never found inside of me
Built these walls up so high
Needed my room to breathe
Oh baby, oh baby
You tear them down
Cant believe you changed my mind.
Oh baby, oh baby
I saw you smile
Stay with me a while
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
Thats where you take me
With you I get so high
Lost in the crystal sky
You are this melody
Thats where you take me
I never fell before
How did you find the door
The key up to my soul
To you forever more
Oh baby, oh baby
You make me rise
Never did I once think twice
Oh baby, oh baby
You make me smile
Stay with me a while
Oh
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
Thats where you take me
(thats where you take me)
With you I get so high
(I get so high)
Lost in the crystal sky
(the crystal sky)
You are this melody
Thats where you take me
Afraid to let it all inside
Now I wanna hear youll stay with me a while
Stay with me a while
La, la, la, la, la, la.......
Thats where you take me
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
Oh, baby
Thats where you take me
With you I get so high
Lost in the crystal sky
You are this melody
Oh, baby
Thats where you take me
Repeat...
...
song performed by by Britney Spears
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I need not tell you that the world situation is very serious. That must be apparent to all intelligent people. I think one difficulty is that the problem is one of such enormous complexity that the very mass of facts presented to the public by press and radio make it exceedingly difficult for the man in the street to reach a clear appraisement of the situation. … it is of vast importance that our people reach some general understanding of what the complications really are, rather than react from a passion or a prejudice or an emotion of the moment. … It is virtually impossible at this distance merely by reading, or listening, or even seeing photographs or motion pictures, to grasp at all the real significance of the situation. And yet the whole world of the future hangs on a proper judgment. It hangs, I think, to a large extent on the realization of the American people, of just what are the various dominant factors. What are the reactions of the people? What are the justifications of those reactions? What are the sufferings? What is needed? What can best be done? What must be done?
quote by George Marshall
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Hard For Them to Believe
I was asked,
At a time...
If I knew what I was doing?
As if my thoughts,
Could not produce my deeds.
As if my efforts,
Did not match where I lived.
Since I was born and lived in the ghetto.
And I should not be aware or know,
Of those things I did!
As If my blackness was for them limited!
Like it was for friends I had,
And some relatives.
All believing then I was trying to be white...
And not the black neighborhood kid!
Who did for me,
What I knew was right!
They believed I should be,
That kind to clown and be down to Earth.
And not have a mind as creative as mine!
With dreams to fulfill...
That broke down barriars and walls,
Others believed I existed behind!
And not to know my own value or worth.
Or reach for heights...
Few I knew took effort to climb!
I was asked,
At a time...
If I knew what I was doing?
I am not asked 'that' question anymore.
Today,
Some try to downplay...
My affect!
But I had always known,
To be grateful to be blessed.
And let God handle the rest!
I was asked,
At a time...
If I knew what I was doing?
Of course I knew.
From the very beginning.
But the few who did not know...
Now they do too!
And nothing has changed...
From where I live,
To what I do.
And that is a fact...
Hard for them to believe!
That I can say who I am.
Be who I am.
Stay where I am and know it!
AND achieve!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I See This Reflected
I used to think of them as funny too.
People who acted foolishly,
To portray themselves as clowns and buffoons.
In fact,
The more they acted like that I never took them seriously.
I wanted to be entertained by them continuously.
I noticed when I got older,
I hated to see people I knew with intelligence...
Disrespected for their attempts to convince they had sense.
And mocked for the doing of it to diminish with contempt.
Wanting them with wishes meant to lower their self esteem,
With a representing others who also had lower expectations...
Dreamed.
And I see this reflected upon the children who have no respect,
For others in this kind of environment...
Wanting to become successful with the doing of their best.
But depicted to be fools for thinking to believe,
They can achieve to heights if they wanted to succeed.
And although difficult they do...
With a disregarding those who object to their goals and priorities.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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With Only The Ability To Waste
There was a time,
And this was not too long ago...
When those of skills and talents,
Only had a wish to share them.
To assist others in the fulfillment,
Of seeing 'their' dreams and wishes...
Come true.
With a volunteering of their efforts denied.
And...
Without a dime of payment mentioned.
But those making decisions,
Believed the ones who would want to do this...
Only sought the getting of attention.
And refusing them they did,
To ensure they were dismissed.
Today?
How things have changed.
Today there are those who are hired,
To solicit volunteers.
With the paying of expensive media advertisements,
To attract those with talents and skills to give.
And this is done with blatant attention given,
To the ones getting paid.
With only the ability to waste funding,
To achieve nothing getting done.
But say they do there is no one willing to work for free.
And these are the same people...
Publicly declaring there is no communal unity.
'We need you! '
~For what? ~
'To volunteer your skills,
As a community service.'
~And how will my doing this,
Be of benefit to you? ~
'A job that keeps me paid and something to do.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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We The People
When the Executive, Legislative and Judicial fail, it’s official;
A new trail must then determined by the people in the streets,
Not by law makers… the law breakers in their comfortable seats.
Government is not of the people, by the people, for the people today.
It’s of a wealthy few, by a select minority not caring what we say.
If it continues this course, there will be widespread conflict and force.
We the people, the middle class, founded this country and made it great.
We need to unite and articulate our message to the ruling noble class before it’s too late
poem by Gregory Huyette
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Some People Listen Some People Don't
You judge me before my words can come out
You can’t even look my way
And you leave me with no doubt
You won’t listen to a word I say
And I will never be heard by you
No matter what it is that I do
Some people listen some people don’t
Some people listen some people won’t
You shut me up before I can speak
You shut me up so you can keep me weak
Now I breaking all your rules
That you have made just for me
To keep me away from my history
From my strength and my dignity
Some people listen some people don’t
Some people listen some people won’t
You don’t know how many times I have prayed
That you would hear the words that I have to say
Now get out of the way
Because we no longer have to stay in this prison of the mind
Because we find you guilty of the ultimate crime
Now get out of the way
So that they can hear what I have to say
And begin to make their plans for escape today
Even though you made me a thug,
It is out of love that I put my message out
Find your voice in school and follow the Golden Rule
And shout it out, with out a doubt
That you will be heard, until you are heard
Right down to the very last word
Some people listen some people don’t
Some people listen some people won’t
poem by Brian Kilpatrick
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Why I Prefer To Live Alone
Give me a moment.
I want to find a specific way,
To tell you this.
Okay...
The reason why I prefer to live alone,
Is the company I sometimes can not avoid to keep.
Some people have a legitimate feeling,
That is sincerely felt as it is meant.
Some people need another presence,
To keep control of a conversation focused on themselves.
I have been in contact with these kinds of people,
On many occasion.
With a wish to exit as quick as possible.
And I was able to do that,
Because i was not in my own home.
Some people are just into themselves subconsiously.
With a unending 'Not-a-breath-to-take-zeal'
That creates an atmosphere squeezing the freshness,
Out of a peace that reduces a hospitality one ceases.
And...
This might be mistaken for boredom!
And i like to maintain a cordial presence one feels.
However,
Making no mistake of it at all...
I find sometimes your presence,
Leaves me with a headache.
And sometimes I can take it.
But on days like these that I want my peace.
You disturb that willingness I had to share it!
Give me a moment.
I want to find a specific way,
To tell you this.
I like to keep a flow of communication,
That is invitational.
You on the other hand,
Seek an audience to deliver devoted attention.
That kind of activity,
Wears me out.
Today...
I am feeling,
Less the member of an audience.
And more like...
I would love to see a performance,
Come to a close.
Like...
I want my door closed.
So I can be left alone to take a nap.
You understand that...
Don't you?
That's why I prefer to live alone.
And...
I am yearning my preference for that now!
But...
You are welcome to stay as long as you wish,
Under those conditions...
Knowing I have a great love,
Right now...
For solitude!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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To Keep Protected and Intact
What's found socially acceptable,
And academically correct.
Has changed in its effective etiquette.
And has been dissected as suspect.
A higher state of consciousness,
Has arrived in minds to detect...
An awareness intentionally hidden...
Discovered by nonbelievers,
Who now 'see' and are upset.
Yet...
Their fantasies they wish to keep,
Protected and intact.
They wish to keep these fantasies,
Living to breathe as facts.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A firm resolution
Tear the cloths and don’t wear
Be the coward and don’t fear
Don’t be sentimental and shed the tears
Discard the front and stay at the rear
Play it safe and live longer
Spread the lies and stay as monger
Carve out the position with clear image
Stay cool on the scene and ably manage
This is how today is demanding
People starve and life ending
Clear message of love and hatred only sending
Not much of good things reading
You raise your head and you are gone
You are way laid and completely done
To play with life has become child’s play
It is impossible now for honorable stay
You are not safe in your own area
No one is interested in listening to your plea
It is pure game of hunting the helpless
I pray God to offer them with all the bless
We shall stay here as mere creature
We see in it no bright future
The goons may emerge stronger and rule
We will watch them helplessly as fool
We are destined to lie low
No one will make the way for us and allow
We have miserably failed to follow
It is better we bow head and silently go
It has nothing to do with individual’s entity
It may sometimes not suit to your personality
The life must be lived with its continuity
There lies complete strength in unity
Until you do it with great zeal
The threat may remain as real
It has got all the relevance if you stay firm
Resolute in your action and firmly confirm
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Spontaneity
You know where and how to find me.
I make no attempts not to be accessible.
But to hear from others...
You have not seen me for awhile,
Is more than a bit embellished.
In fact...
The last time I saw you publicly,
You pretended not to see me at all.
Remember?
Go ahead...
You have already proven,
To have a reliable selective memory.
Were you waiting from me to approach you?
To display your best act of phoniness?
I only have one face to give in this life.
Only one!
I use to have those expectations myself,
When others I would see...
On the street with their friends,
Taking opportunities to avoid me.
But these are the days of our lives,
Aren't they?
And today those same people,
Say I do not speak when I see them.
And they are right!
So quick now they seem to be observant.
Receiving sometimes is not so pleasant.
And...
I only deliver what I receive.
There is more on my mind,
Than the premeditating of responses.
Or the rehearsing of approaches.
There is something about spontaneity I like.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Any Other Time
I remember there was a time,
I found it easy to do things controversial.
With a doing to offend those...
Politically correct and doing their best,
To have themselves perceived...
As having proper etiquette.
Upholding standards that were then valued.
Today my maverick ways are so passe they bore.
Even today a great leader can pretend to debate,
But then again appear to snore.
While he lets his opponent win,
When any other time this same opponent...
Would find himself ignored.
'Why do you think he allowed that to happen? '
People are already aware of his skills and abilities.
I think he made it understood by all...
Just how effective his opponent will be as a leader.
'Do you think it was a new strategy? '
No, not really.
I just think the President felt he would use the time,
To get some sleep!
'Do you think the next debate will be any different? '
Well, that depends.
'On what? '
If the opponent decides to appear,
Without the need to play charades.
Or disguise in yet another masquerade.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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