Found A Way To Stay Protected
I've learned to strip away nonsense,
To get to the core of where my happiness...
Wanted to surface to breathe,
With a breath to freely exist.
And telling it like it is,
I discovered eliminated conflict...
To keep inside to confuse ideals.
And those lessons learned taught to me,
Were real and created my appetite...
To crave the need to keep my peace of mind,
Kept delicious.
And it is.
I've learned to strip away nonsense,
To get to the core of where my happiness...
Wanted to surface to breathe,
With a breath to freely exist.
And it has found a way to stay protected,
From close inspections wishing to monitor...
On a daily basis.
Let me share something with you.
And I am going to keep it basic and quite simple.
I could care less what you think.
Or how you arrived to express an opinion about me,
My activities or the size shoe I wear.
I have not crawled on my knees to appease your assessments.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Lessons To Be Learned
At one time,
I wanted so much to please.
And do it in a way,
To have those I wanted to smile.
Knowing, I did...
This is what I wanted.
And nothing else,
Did I have a need to flaunt.
But an aging done,
Has a way in the doing...
That helps one review,
Those steps one places.
And those times just being there,
For someone else...
Has fewer of their footsteps made,
Traced to express the same concerns.
No one ever says,
Lessons to be learned...
Come easy to absorb.
But those who teach them...
When they are finally learned,
The quality of the air seems fresher to breathe.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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I Have Learned
I had been told 'never' to say never.
And for as long as I lived,
I will learn a 'never' said will return.
And I found that to be true.
I have learned to focus and remain conscious.
Never to keep repeating the same mistakes.
I have learned,
The giving of oneself...
Opens the door to heartache.
I have learned,
Forgiveness for some...
Means a forgetting for them to what they've done.
I have learned,
A revolving door...
Revolves not solve solutions.
I have learned,
A no does not mean yes...
To a depleting of my happiness.
I have learned,
Never to allow my peace of mind...
To be plucked by anyone wishing to get on my nerves.
I have learned,
THAT!
And 'that' aint gon' happen no mo'!
Never.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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With The Scaping Of Knees And Knuckles
I've learned to keep my own lips silenced.
To keep them shut.
Even though an opinion sat on my tongue,
Preparing for an appearance to be heard...
With a retorting done no matter how absurd.
There is nothing like the scent of conflict.
And the familiarity of its arrival.
Along with its creators and who is prone to deliver it.
I've learned to fix my lips to sit together.
And with the clinching of teeth if necessary.
Once one is introduced to a peace of mind,
It becomes more treasured...
Than having the keys to a Mercedes.
No luxury on Earth can replace a peace of mind.
I have discovered that...
With the scaping of knees and knuckles done.
I've learned there are times when the best of thoughts,
Can sometimes be those kept to oneself...
To go unheard by anyone else that may offend to defend.
Yes...
I've learned to keep my own lips silenced.
To keep them shut.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Why Empower It With Concern?
When something isn't...
Why empower it with concern?
What lesson is there learned,
By choosing to discuss...
The 'what ifs'.
As if those 'what ifs' breathe and exist!
When something isn't...
Why empower it with concern?
What lesson is there learned,
By choosing to discuss...
The 'what ifs'.
As if those 'what ifs' breathe and exist!
And the next step we need to take...
Is to select someone qualified,
To monitor our decisions and babysit!
And that time spent doing this...
Has been wasted like devalued dollars,
We struggle to find ways to throw away...
Or burn.
With no regard and less concern.
And that is the headache we've lived to earn.
Too many are already confused in creating solutions.
All we need to do,
Is to commit ourselves to have nothing to do with it.
Already you look relieved!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Tears
Tears...
Dry them!
Do it now!
You've spent enough time,
Giving grief your attention!
I shed them myself.
Not for hours, days or weeks!
But years!
That's all I could do!
That's all I felt my eyes were in my head,
To produce!
I realized my tears were not being felt,
By anyone else but myself.
I could not borrow empathy for my sorrows.
I dried those tears.
Took smiling lessons.
Believed I could fly...
Until I fell off the curb from a high,
I thought I enjoyed.
But 'weed' does not last too long!
I asked myself what was wrong?
It was me!
I could not believe it!
I had wanted to believe my tears came from something...
OR someone else.
But...
They were rolling down 'my' eyes.
And that agony was mine!
It wanted me more than I wanted it!
I got rid of it!
I became my friend!
My 'best' friend!
And like all good friends...
I learned to enjoy myself.
I learned that my happiness was deserving!
I began serving myself dosages of happiness...
On a daily basis!
Tears?
You can shed them if you want!
But I am willing to bet,
You'll be doing it by yourself!
And if you're happy doing it?
Be thankful.
Celebrate!
However...
If you find yourself delivering tears?
Find out 'who' is behind the production.
And 'why' you are left to pay the cost!
Such performances are usually not worthy,
Of the price paid!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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An Appreciation For The Highs And Lows
I did not invent motivation.
Nor was initiative,
Sitting in a variety store...
Wishing that it,
I would come along to pick.
And dedication with devotion,
Was not served to me on a silver platter.
No matter how long I sat wishing for dreams to exist.
Something inside of me arrived long ago.
A comprehension to understand...
Yearning without earning,
What I wanted was not going to be...
In stars that glowed.
And the wearing of fine clothes,
Was not prioritized as my objective.
With lessons taught and disappointments bestowed,
I learned that patience wasn't everything I need to know.
I needed to know the connection between hard work, sacrifice...
And arguments I've settled with discipline in stubborn fights,
Helped me open my eyes...
To the kind of world this is I am blessed to live in.
BLESSED.
Without those selfish expectations.
I did not invent motivation.
Nor was initiative,
Sitting in a variety store...
Wishing that it,
I would come along to pick.
No!
I learned to tie my own shoes,
Before I was able to walk.
And dedication with devotion,
Was not served to me on a silver platter.
No matter how long I sat wishing for dreams to exist.
And...
The clearing of weeds off my own path,
Began a process of adventure through hills and valleys...
With an appreciation for the highs and lows,
That never seem to end.
And 'if' that is my task to last...
Who's journey is this I've been given to enjoy?
And FREE.
At no charge to me.
But to live it as it is with a gratitude expressed.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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For All the Wrong Reasons
We are here...
To shed this awareness,
And receive and accept another.
In steps.
Just as lessons are taught and learned.
And not meant forever to be kept...
As secrets unshared and stored until they rust.
They must be passed on!
Like we do.
Anyone believing this reality has no finality...
Find themselves saddled in sadness,
And glued to dilemmas.
To become their own designated opponent.
Nothing pleases!
And they sit and dissect in doubt.
Trying to maintain a control,
That seals and locks them within...
A senseless nonsense blocked and protected.
This can not be sustained.
A happiness that could exist,
Diminishes until it becomes unrecognized.
Illnesses and sickness become discussed,
As if they were friends to share!
Baring similar affects that keep them ineffective.
And a must to have for those who dare to live!
Leaving those in debate awakening too late...
To shake themselves free of this treason.
With an understanding,
As if a bright light shines upon them...
They have lived this life,
For all the wrong reasons!
To become reflective,
Of those seasons with many moons missed.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Inside my happiness...
Inside my happiness, there is nothing but happiness for me.
Inside my happiness, the colors are so bright and vivid and I am able to see everything clearly.
Inside my happiness, there were no dark times because in my happiness the sun always shines.
Inside my happiness, there is no pain, there is no fear and there certainly is no doubt.
Inside my happiness, we all live as one and there is peace for all beings.
Inside my happiness, there is God and he has planned all of this for me.
Inside my happiness, addiction never happend.
Inside my happiness, there are no sorrows and no tears for the hurt doesnt exist.
Inside my happiness, there is you, and you are everything.
Inside my happiness, there is a woman who is ready for life.
Inside my happiness, there is nothing but happiness for me.
poem by Amber Swiney

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Much More Than a Writing On a Wall
It has been linked to the word 'PEACE'
Since the invention of the word.
That Egypt is embroiled in conflict...
Should disturb everyone with breath to breathe.
The concept of mankind,
Can be found within its tombs.
The pyramids have much more meaning...
Than any scientist can understand.
And Africa where Egypt sits...
Is the Motherland.
Who still is unbelieving of this?
It has been linked to the word 'PEACE'
Since the invention of the word.
That Egypt is embroiled in conflict...
Should disturb everyone with breath to breathe.
Much more is going on in the air,
Than people wishing for tickets to see...
A Super Bowl.
To witness Egypt unravelling...
Should stop conflicts,
Wherever they exist!
This visual message...
Is to deliver much more than a writing on a wall.
There is no need for scholarly interpretations.
Or reminders of credit scores.
These tea leaves do not need to be read.
A greed is going to end...
Where the pyramids began.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Inside my happiness
Inside my happiness, there is nothing
But happiness for me
Inside my happiness, the colours are
So bright and vivid and i am able
To see everything clearly
Inside my happiness, there was no
Dark times because in my happiness
The sun always shines
Inside my happiness, there is no
Pain, there is no fear
And there is certainly no doubt
Inside my happiness, we all live as
One and there is peace
For all beings
Inside my happiness, addiction never happened
Inside my happiness, there are no sorrows
And no tears, so the hurt doesn’t exist
Inside my happiness, there is god
And he planned all this for me
Inside my happiness, there is nothing
But happiness for me
poem by Maryam Kazmi

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Does Happiness Exist?
Is happiness a myth or does it
really exist.
If it exist why are so many people
unhappy in this world.
Why do many feel so much pain
if it's really there.
Happiness is something so small
that is wanted so much.
Everyone looks for that moment
of happiness but so many never
receive it.
Does it exist?
poem by Tracey Wynn

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Needs! Not 'Knees
You act as if,
You are not sensitive at all
To the 'needs' of others
'What?
What are you talking about?
When I was down on mine,
It took everything I had to get up off them.
I struggled for years too.
And when I eventually stood on my own two feet,
I vowed I would never allow myself...
To get in that position,
Ever again.
Not if I can help it.
People ignored me.
As if I did not exist.
As if they had no feeling towards me at all.
I've learned many lessons since then.
NEEDS!
Not KNEES.
'No
My knees are not knocked.
But I remember as a kid,
I use to be pigeon toed.
But I can say
Today?
I am not sensitive to that at all.
I've learned that the 'knees' of others,
Are not my business
Why would you bring something like that up? '
Forget it
'Forgotten.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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If The Surface For Them Did Not Exist
If the surface didn't exist,
Many wouldn't have a thought to cling to.
Many wouldn't know,
Which gossip heard was true.
If the surface for them did not exist.
If the surface didn't exist,
The many dependent on having lives not their own...
Would be lost without being told what to do.
Many absolutely would not have a clue...
How to find their way around,
Without following in someone's footsteps.
If the surface they sniffed did not exist.
And if the surface for them did not exist...
They would not be able to sit alone,
Doing something completely on their own...
And appreciating life,
With the minding of their own business.
If...
The surface for many did not exist,
It would be taumatic for them to seek a thought process.
Many would not know where or how to begin.
So many are accustomed to living lives that are shallow.
With an ability only to identify with that...
Which is supplied and arrives to them surfacely.
Even a dog sniffing tries to find a place to bury a bone.
And doing that alone.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Not Prepared To Delve
Making attempts to relate to anyone,
Who has not been prepared...
To delve below the surface,
Is too time consuming.
And certainly not worth the chase.
When someone is ready,
To strip themselves bare...
Unafraid to expose a blemish or two,
That is the one a discussion about life done...
Is the most exciting conversation to have.
Identifying nonsense stated to regurgitate,
Like playing a game of show and tell...
Of that which can be readily observed,
Is a mind focused on events,
That have long outdated their purpose to exist.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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More Than Wanted
I have wandered far and wide
For something real something to die for
But I have found you and you do not see
All that is me, all that is true
And I am more than you will see
And I am more than you will need
And I am more than you will see
More than wanted
And as you float the flimsy surface
You should know life lies beneath it
And dont pretend you feel what I feel
For you live illusion and im real
And I am more than you will see
And I am more than you will need
And I am more than you will see
More than wanted
And I am more than you will see
And I am more than you will need
And I am more than you will see
More than wanted
And I know, I know
You like the way you feel when I play
I know, I know
You don't really hear what I say
And I know, I know
You are waiting for something to rain
I know, I know
You wish you could be more than you say
And I am more than you will see
And I am more than you will need
And I am more than you will see
More than wanted
And I am more than you will see
And I am more than you will need
And I am more than you will see
More than wanted
More than you'll love
More than you'll hate
More than you'll have
More than wanted
More than you'll need
More than you'll dream
More than you'll hold
More than wanted
More than you'll crave
More than you'll cherish
More than you'll have
More than wanted
song performed by by Vanessa Carlton

Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Knowing Very Little
Someone knows 'someone'
Who has been quick to express disappointment,
Regretted.
That 'someone' who believes,
They were annointed to know everything...
Just because God has given them air to breathe.
Those folks are the ones,
Who say they have no interest in politics.
Announcing that religion and politics do not mix.
And knowing very little about either.
And even knowing less on a daily basis.
They do not read or participate in community activities.
And yet appear on a neighbor's doorstep,
Out of breath to express...
'What in the world is going on?
Do you know what I just found out?
I 'heard' there were problems with the economy.
And there was this Black guy on TV...
MY TV!
Telling me about changes he is going to make.
What on Earth?
Have you seen him?
Is this some kind of a joke?
What happened to Bush?
I feel I am about to have a stroke! '
They remain confined,
Out of touch and time.
And soon...
Out of their minds!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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The Learner
I've learned--Of all the friends I've won
Dame Nature is the best,
And to her like a child I run
Craving her mother breast
To comfort me in soul distress,
And in green glade to find
Far from the world's unloveliness
Pure peace of mind.
I've learned--the worth of simple ways,
And though I've loved to roam,
I know the glow of hearth ablaze,
The bliss of coming home.
I'd rather wear old clothes than new,
I'd rather walk than drive,
And as my wants are oh so few
I joy to be alive.
I've learned--that happiness is all,
A sweetness of the mind;
And would you purge your heart of gall,--
Try being kind.
Then when some weaker one you aid,
Believe it true
'Tis God Himself will make the grade
Less hard for you.
poem by Robert William Service

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Unique and Cartoonish
She said 'things' I write about did not exist!
As if she knew my experiences...
And the affects they played on my mind!
Of course I've learned to have patience
With such ignorance.
I identified that immediately on my journey...
And was prepared to respond.
Moving on and feeling blessed...
I am no longer disturbed in rest,
Or protest misunderstandings!
Yet I do know how to remove nonsense
Off my path fast!
There is something about clarity I've learned to enjoy!
And he say-she say-they say mindless crap,
Has graduated my insight with a peace of mind I like!
I grew up with folks disputing truths
Reduced to gossiped innuendos!
Perhaps that is why my writings aren't believed,
As actual occurrences.
The dysfunctions are too unique and cartoonish in application!
However...
My impressions,
Sometimes suppressed by depressions!
And inflicted aggrevation from apartheid oppression...
Still existing in disguise as diversity wishes.
Were not created by Disney and a crew of animators!
Although I admit...
I became quite amused by the busloads of tourists!
And folks still think all that's needed in areas of my birth
Is a few peanuts to exist as they take snapshots...
To prove their 'liberal' sensibilities!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Needed Rest
So overwhelmed to give at times,
I find isolation brings me peace of mind.
To give is to receive.
And in that I do believe.
But a necessity to set limits...
Allows me to feel I should and can breathe freely.
Without jeopardizing my abilities,
Which requires my much needed rest!
Although I may get protests,
From those who perceive...
My abilities are given just to please their needs.
Blessed?
Yes.
But those best lessons I've learned,
Have been the ones I have kept.
And without rest for the mind,
Guess who gets the quality time?
No one.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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The Sound Of Wings.....
from the bars of the cell,
i learned freedom from the body.
from the underside of the bridge,
i learned home has not a house.
from forty years of working,
i learned the bitterness of the slave.
from the political lies,
i learned that truth cant be bought.
from the books i read,
i learned to reason and question.
from the heroin needle,
i learned the value of life.
from love lost,
i learned how to love.
from doubt i learned seeking,
in seeking i found god to be more.
from the scars on my heart,
i learned to be a man.
from battles fought and lost,
i learned the need for peace.
from discrimination i learned equality,
from anger i learned forgiveness.
from the mirror i learned responsibility...
from the bars of the cell,
i learned the sound of wings!
poem by Eric Cockrell

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