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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Related quotes
You Will Have to Manifest More Than a Passing Interest
It's been quite sometime since I've breast fed.
Or had my running mucoused nose wiped.
Or had my tears dried because of a neighborhood fight,
With a bully that had one time frightened me!
Soon after my eighteenth birthday,
I voluntered and 'joined' the military.
Feeling patriotic and hypnotized by war,
And doing my part to defend a country we all live in!
While others I knew...
Went on to colleges to pursue a certain greed.
That ego wasn't there for me to feed.
And two weeks after my high school graduation...
I was stripped from my childhood,
Dramatically.
Homesickness?
I've seen some guys try to walk home from bootcamp!
And I did stupid stuff...
Wanting my training instructor to find ways to punish me!
Walking to Connecticut from Texas,
Somehow was not a priority or an appetizer.
Today...
After broken marriages and mucho heartbreak.
Death of loved ones I 'knew' I could not endure.
And having ignorance thrown in my face...
By those who 'still' had no idea of the emotions felt,
I alone had to replace by a craze I successfully kept hidden.
And doing that with the grace from God?
Just to have judgements passed upon me...
Like someone was assigned to do that as if it was their job?
I forgave,
Before I even ate in those days!
I know I have been blessed to have survived much 'mess'.
I'll confess this to anyone who wishes to listen...
You have no idea of those things I've could have said,
But kept them to myself.
And have only 'selected' a few of those experiences,
To share to keep an interest flowing.
Isn't that what writers should do?
To give readers like you an insight?
Something to 'touch' the inside of a mind like mine?
And I will not totally embrace anyone 'inside'.
Not for a tour.
To rate the degree of my sufferings.
I don't keep that on exhibit anyway!
What would be the point?
My writings will hint with vivid 'suggestions'.
That's it!
Anything more than that?
You will have to manifest more than a passing interest.
But don't worry.
There is enough here to keep it coming to you,
For as long as you live!
Because in just this one life I've been given...
I feel I have lived many lifetimes.
None of which I wish to forget!
Making my happiness much more appreciated.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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For An Anger That Comes to Visit
Most of them have no discipline at all.
Nor have they had a patriotic thought.
Not within those of shallow conciousness.
Or expressed a patriotic deed...
Disconnected from materialistic needs.
Their mouths have been open to be fed.
And they have only known to feed their greed.
So it should come as no surprise,
They do not understand...
The bitterness that lies,
Under the surface of someone...
Who finds it difficult to close their eyes,
And can not forget losing a love one
To war, pain or suffering.
Or a day they awaken with those feelings met.
Or participate in needless conflicts.
Ones long gone...
But their minds can not forget.
And to endure these constant images...
Coming when they please,
To haunt.
While watching others sit back...
Undaunted as they flaunt their trivial existences.
And not have a care connected to this,
At all!
Yes...
I can say,
I've lived through it.
That's why I can be appalled,
Without a need to apologize to anyone...
For an anger that comes to visit!
And dedicated to my memories.
Yes...
I can say,
I've lived through it.
Sometimes in masquerade.
And doing that quite well.
Praying...
As I thank God everyday,
I have no traits of Godzilla!
Or any other destructive being,
Real or imagined...
To chase away those in fear screaming,
From something horrific that they've seen.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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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
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More Appreciative Of Others
I learned at an early age,
After graduating from high school...
And standing in a uniform,
During those Viet Nam warring days.
There is quite a difference between,
Holding back emotions...
And becoming emotional with rage.
As a soldier I learned patience.
But unafraid dropp a tear.
Many people with issues,
Like to express them quick...
To make them clear!
And as time passes while I age,
I've learned to control 'some' things I say.
And so grateful I am to write with interest,
Those things most believe,
Comes from a weakness expressed.
Not many realize the strength it takes,
To admit one's faults and mistakes they've made.
And I appreciate those who have experienced this.
Since this shows,
What so many living miss!
I learned at an early age,
After graduating from high school...
And standing in a uniform,
During those Viet Nam warring days.
There is quite a difference between,
Holding back emotions...
And becoming emotional with rage.
It seems those who have lived,
To reflect upon their veteraned lives...
Are more appreciative of others.
And less opinionated like some,
Who feel they have rights,
To criticize and despise...
How people live and survive!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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In Rejection Mode
What rights of mine,
Are they fighting for?
The poor of these wars,
Still remain bitter and sour...
And getting even poorer.
The hungry and the homelessness,
Creeps upon front doors.
And warmongers have made self righteousness...
A vision of risks and accepted conflicts.
What rights of mine...
Defends this fighting all the time?
Everywhere I turn,
My needs are ignored.
Yet to the frontlines is where I'm sent,
To duck bullets on foreign shores.
No matter what I've done...
I'm abhorred! I'm shunned.
And the more I feel I will 'always' be 'me'...
That is used as a weapon,
To add to their growing list of enemies.
And even if I train to fight and defend my place...
I'm despised.
Disrespected.
Often I'm stunned to face a public disgrace.
Bitter doesn't matter when this is about race!
And nothing shown throughout history,
Has proven that fighting works!
As I experience thoughts of what progress can be...
Corruption is exposed to all,
Supported by thieves and endorsed by jerks.
Patriotic I am...
But my needs have become sabbatical.
I'm often regarded a radical.
But I'm not the one...
Fanatically birthed!
There's a dignity I honor,
With a shown self worth.
I have not lost my self respect,
Choosing to abuse my senses...
With displays I regret!
Or endorse building fences.
Those in rejection mode...
Cling and hang onto perks!
Destroying nature and humanity,
By a freedom assisted by threats and alerts.
What rights of mine are 'they' fighting for?
The only rights I see,
Is an elusive peace...
Attached to a fading reality!
That is not my wish that frees!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Am I Less Patriotic
Am I less patriotic,
If I choose not to embrace...
Conservative values,
With a more broadened view...
That may be idealistic,
With equality issues I pursue.
Am I less patriotic,
If those who are hypocrites annoy?
The ones with their self righteous political opinions.
Those who influence lawmakers to consider and employ.
Am I less patriotic,
If I am bothered by illegitimate conflicts.
Those that depict one class of people,
As being worthy to indulge...
In the feeding done of their own interests.
Am I less patriotic,
If I wish hunger and homelessness...
From all made to suffer from this,
Was erased from them and did not exist?
Am I less patriotic,
If I chose to express my feelings about it?
And am I less patriotic...
If I refuse to inflict upon another pain,
With a taking away from them...
To benefit my own selfish claims to gain.
Am I less patriotic,
If my ambitions are to sustain and maintain...
A peaceful co-existence,
Between those who have chosen to benefit...
Appreciating their lives as they wish.
Without being oppressed by those who infest...
With a manifestation to control with a beholding?
Taking away from others as if...
They were entitled to do this!
Am I less patriotic?
Or am I just another delusioned human being?
Wishing all differences,
Were accepted or not demeaned to maim.
Or disrespected to be considered obscene.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Until It Is Seen
Since they don't think of themselves,
As great.
Their activities produce...
Far less than great things.
What's in the mind,
People will find around them!
You know...
Seek to find,
For validation!
I grew up around some 'Dare to Be Brilliant People'.
All we had was our minds.
And early acquaintances with a can opener!
We were challenged then to use our minds...
And look our best!
These were in schools,
Before the 'Let's Move Away From 'Them' Those Negros'...
Days.
I remember too well,
When they were implemented.
Like the beginning of the ending of something.
You know...
It's like the feeling one gets,
When someone else does something stupid.
And you want to reach out...
But the 'I'm Better Than You' look is given!
So one backs off,
And does their own thing.
One backs off,
And observes the mistakes occurring.
One backs way off...
When insults begin to be thrown!
And this is condoned by the environment!
And backed by government policies.
Introduced to protect the greed of thieves.
Since they don't think of themselves,
As great.
Not face to face.
Their activities produce...
Far less than great things.
What's in the mind,
People will find around them.
To distort their existence.
With an enhanced ignorance.
Like devastation one creates.
And choosing to describe it...
In a way that it does not affect,
A reflection of their insecurities.
And wishing they could move away from them...
Like something they find disgusting!
To invent their own demise.
One accepted as more trusting.
And one that can be disguised.
But those with early acquaintances,
With a can opener...
Had been 'conditioned' to observe these events,
From distances.
And with opened eyes.
In a rejected effectiveness!
That begins to disturb.
And peel slowly away,
To expose and pain the nerves.
Of those who choose their conflicts,
To battle on fields no longer appealing.
Comes back to affect those now desperate.
Those expressing a social and mental,
Defectiveness!
And banning together to protest...
Their 'upsetness' in regret!
And in a massive state of denial.
But these days 'from' them,
They can not push away.
Like visions on a TV set!
They can turn off and go play!
Today those 'visions' are there,
To show them how they came.
And how they got that way.
And an ugliness prepares to come to sit.
And visit!
Until it is seen.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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That Terrifying Enemy
Two weeks after I graduated from high school,
I was in the Air Force.
Patriotic and eighteen.
Scared as hell during basic training...
But ready to kick plenty of ass!
And working hard during the week,
To receive a weekend pass!
Time seemed less urgent then!
We knew we would accomplish things!
And certain we were we would win!
Fourty-three years ago...
I wanted it known I wished to save souls then.
I wanted to be a pilot and fly,
But I became a poet with a pen!
And times have changed since then as well!
Now it is not clear,
Who is fighting for what and 'why' it should matter?
We have consciously let our treasured ideals...
Lose it's appeal to keep falsities,
In minds scattered!
And those with barely any military experience at all...
Have taken my home,
And given it away.
For a price we all now pay!
Greed has been that terrifying enemy,
That has brought upon us a failure.
Greed has been that terrifying enemy,
That has brought to us this grief!
Greed has been that terrifying enemy,
That brings us no relief...
To cease and/or free us!
Greed has been that terrifying enemy,
That has been camouflaging peace!
And the awareness of this has increased!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Young, Patriotic And Undeniably Brave
Discharged from the Air Force.
Married and living independently.
And at 21 years old...
I was then with wife,
And we lived in Kansas City, Missouri.
42 years ago,
Seems to me a 'century'.
And today,
At the age of 63...
I can certainly confess,
I am extremely blessed.
As I observe the lack of discipline,
Allowed by the guardians of today's children.
I remain very curious,
As to 'why' more people...
Are not showing they are furious?
And exactly 'who' are 'they' who speak,
Of values gone undisplayed?
With nerve to say,
How 'others' should be held accountable!
And many of 'us' in those days,
Were young, patriotic and undeniably brave.
Dedicated:
To those young men and women,
who 'still' volunteer to enter into the military...
for a cause that should be more applauded!
Bless your efforts, dedication and sacrifice.
~lsp~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Our Veterans of Fought Wars
Those who profess to be patriotic.
And sway hypnotically,
In both praise and song.
Yet allow their soldiers...
To lay homelessly in their streets.
With lost dignities and no food to eat.
Day and night long!
Sickens me with their high brow hypocrisies.
When our veterans of fought wars...
Are treated as if poison,
Oozes from their pores.
With many of them still left abandoned.
To fight and struggle in danger.
On foreign shores ignored.
And I hear the voices scream,
About their liberties being demeaned.
With their marketed decadence,
On the top of their lists.
Upholding interests of greed.
Denied to those who died and still bleed.
To keep them and their democracy...
Entertained and irresponsibly freed.
Dedicated:
To our military veterans.
Especially those still fighting for their rights,
After fighting in Viet Nam.
And those conflicts today that continue on!
My heart goes out to you.
~LSP~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Rhythm Nation
with music by our side
to break the color lines
let's work together
to improve our way of life
join voices in protest
to social injustice
ageneration full of courage
come forth with me
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
this is the test
no struggle no progress
lend a hand to help
your brother do his best
thinds are getting worse
we have to make them better
it's time to give a damn
let's work together...come on...
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation(people)
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
say it people
say it to me
say it to me if you want a better way of life
say it people
say it to me
say it to me if you want a better way of life
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
(rhythm nation) yeah
song performed by by Janet Jackson from Rhythm Nation 1814
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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(The) Benefit of Needless Conflict
Blessed are those,
Who awaken with insight!
Those who have been shakened,
From a need to maintain...
Routine indoctrinations,
Of a perceived sanity.
One in which restricts limited beliefs.
Inflicted to sustain pain and grief.
And becoming less frightened,
They are...
By a Creator who wishes them to envision,
A 'truth' that is!
A truth that frees a consciousness,
Reaching to seek a peace within!
A peace shared and released between mankind.
And with truth accepted,
This without obstruction...
Can and does finally begin.
Blessed are those,
Who awaken with insight.
Those who have been shakened,
From a need to maintain...
Routine indoctrinations,
Of a perceived sanity.
One in which restricts limited beliefs.
Inflicted to sustain pain and grief.
At the benefit of needless conflict.
That produces sicknesses of all kinds.
And let it be said,
It has been to no one's benefit...
To admit on this Earth,
In their minds reflecting upon it.
That any conflict ever condoned...
Has created a respect for peace.
At least none as yet that has been expressed,
Or urgently digested to put an end to conflicts known.
To manifesting a peace that increases this benefit,
As can be shown!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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In Spite of Opposition
If he has done nothing else...
He has reflected the aspirations,
Of those wishing to move forward.
In spite of opposition,
Of those in material bondage.
And those in subconscious slavery,
Who are still on their knees...
Praying to be accepted!
In spite of oppostion,
Of those who say he lacks experience.
Although he shows qualities,
They themselves have not yet shown.
He is a man of color...
And that they regret.
They rather show images of those of color...
As children needing diapers changed,
Because they are still 'wet'!
And they want this known.
If he has done nothing else...
He has reflected the aspirations,
Of those wishing to move forward.
In spite of opposition,
Of those in material bondage.
And those in subconscious slavery,
Who are still on their knees...
Praying to be accepted!
And he represents a time...
In which people in the right minds,
Seek an updated image...
Of what others rather see,
Enforcibly diminished!
But a darkness lifts...
To allow those to see,
Truth in reality they can believe.
In spite of opposition...
Conflicts existing,
Seem pointless to keep inflicting.
And the greed of it...
Reveals the minds of those sick,
Who insist to feast upon their wickedness to feed.
And in spite of opposition,
He proves he is the best choice to select...
And to lead.
Whatever he lacks...
He still over his opposition succeeds.
Leaving people to question:
'If he lacks experience...
Why have the people 'experienced' the mess,
His opposition who say they are more qualified...
Digress with such mess and wish for more of it to leave! ? '
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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Very Convincingly That Is Expressed
Overall,
People say...
They rather choose to do the right thing.
And very convincingly that is expressed.
However...
As long as doing the right thing,
Places them in direct competition with their neighbor.
And if the neighbor agrees to express equal aggressiveness.
With a declared nationalistic and patriotic pride.
Living in the Bible Belt supporting values of conflicts and wars.
And Republican.
With conservative outdated ideology...
That represents a small segment of society.
Responsible for today's marketed decadence.
Overall,
People say...
They rather choose to do the right thing.
And very convincingly that is expressed.
In fact...
These moments are better captured on canvas!
And idolized for those seeking images.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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When and Where Did They Leave Behind Their Minds
I have been blessed to be in the presence...
Of those obsessed with the purchasing of things.
Themselves and what they possess.
And have them profess to me,
What 'I' could be and 'things' I could have...
IF I just put my mind to it!
So glad I endured such ignorance.
Little did they know,
I thought people like that were ridiculous.
And in time they would come to think of themselves,
That very same way.
It happens.
It pays to be observant.
What I have today and have had most of my life,
Is a sense of my own self worth.
What I have today and have had most of my life,
Is identity and self respect.
What I have today and have had most of my life,
Is my faith and gratefulness...
To know from where my blessings flow!
And the source of my insight.
And those folks...
Wouldn't leave from their doorsteps,
Without making sure their pretensions were intact.
But then again...
Times have changed!
And maybe some of them are scurrying around,
Trying to discover...
When and where did they leave behind their minds.
And what had been their purpose?
What purpose do they serve?
And how is that purpose felt?
Where is that purpose at?
Especially those clinging onto materialistic notions!
Believing themselves to be...
'Blessed and highly favored',
To have acquired positions of status.
With bling and other things to flaunt,
An eroding way of life that has them entrapped.
And I wonder...
Is 'this' a purpose?
Or is this,
A sad act!
God...
I thank You,
For showing me how to lead.
And not follow.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Touched As Wished
Perceive and feel any accomplishment wished.
The beating and removing of weeds...
On a path,
May slow...
But don't let a mind that is fixed,
To accomplish...
Drift.
Mistakes are made.
But one must allow this...
If a feeling of success,
Is going to be touched as wished.
Stay away from those with negativity to grind.
People like that are weak in initiative...
Are also seeking to validate,
Their insecurities in other minds.
Misery loves company.
A lot of it and that's a fact.
And emotions shown that go unprotected...
Are used as traps to hold folks back.
'I understand exactly how you are feeling.
Come and sit with me.
I have time to waste to listen with a comforting done,
To every one of your complaints.
Don't hold back.
I am here for you and I want you to know that.'
Misery loves company.
A lot of it and that's a fact.
And emotions shown that go unprotected...
Are used as traps to hold folks back.
To achieve and acquire success...
One must work at it constantly.
Often without being understood.
Often without sleep.
Or getting little rest.
But blessings come as rewards for those tests.
Perceive and feel any accomplishment wished.
The beating and removing of weeds...
On a path,
May slow...
But don't let a mind that is fixed,
To accomplish...
Drift.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Just a Pinch of Common Sense
I am glad not to repeat...
Those days of my youth.
Encouraged to be everything else,
Instead of what I wanted to pursue.
I was young and self expressive,
Then.
With opinions I had...
I made known,
If I chose to
Over again!
Which I did often.
Much of my life lived back then,
Was done fast tracked!
With many things done...
Today would not be condoned!
Not like that.
And I am not going to settled today,
For childlike conversation,
And a densed destination...
From someone who claims to be grown!
If I can get just a pinch of common sense...
Determined to exist within one person,
I'd be feeling at home!
But those feelings here,
Aren't shown
Not like that.
From anyone claiming ownership!
That's what makes me feel lonely.
Buried in thoughts of how things used to be.
In today where those 'used to bees' are useless!
When I think about that,
I become sad as the feeling of isolation...
Overwhelms me!
When I think about that...
I realize more,
Why you and I had to depart!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Fort Hood
Young then,
And committed.
Feeling patriotic...
Obligated.
With desires to protect.
A country loved with much respect.
Much now has transpired,
Since those days I enlisted.
And wanting to whip some ass.
In the military wanting to save,
Rights of my family and others.
No one had to ask.
Too proud I was of the task.
Today my sorrows are with soldiers,
At Fort Hood.
And those who died unexpectedly
Shot and shocked,
By one of their own.
With intentions unknown.
And here I sit,
Wanting and trying to make sense...
Of all of this.
I knew when I was an airman then,
My devotion was unquestionable...
Towards my fellow comrades,
Family and friends.
And I...
For the life of me,
Will never comprehend...
How someone can harm their own.
And wear the uniform of trust.
Others rely upon and depend.
My heart goes out to those at Fort Hood.
The soldiers who wear their uniforms.
With a quest to sacrifice their lives,
Day and night.
And even though actions of one,
Will never make a horrible action understood.
As a veteran I offer my empathy to give.
Knowing your tears weeped,
Will be with you for a while to keep.
We can only pray those conflicts that exist,
Come to an end...
For all affected by these wars that bring disturbances,
Like the one you've experienced.
And forgive.
Because we must!
We must demand to have a future...
Stripped of hatred!
Racist debates.
To realize humanity given to us ALL,
Is God's gift!
To uplift.
And not abandon!
In Dedication:
To those who serve at Food Hood, Texas.
In and/or out of uniform.
But united in sorrows felt!
May God bless you.
Healing your pain to relieve you soon,
from grief.
~lsp~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Face my Face
i hate people who enter my life, believing that they have seen
me in the dark, knowing that they have lost my identity, like a
shadows of the crops, worn out in the field
i know only of myself that, when anybody talk about me,
my whole day would be empty, what makes you a real man, when
when everybody say that you have all the nice quality, when you
give them all the opportunity to be happy
yes, all is tainted with artificiality, though in every hearts, you know
where you should start, but your heart is already freaky then its easy
to escape reality, what dignity you possess, when you always
smile with fancy, forgetting that you are somebody in your
own self you are big as a tree
i would rather be nobody as long that people looks at me, as if
they meet someone beyond their capacity, i feel that i am in mess
when my friend knows that i am the best, all i need is the quest
to accept that life is empty, when i am greedy
i keep on wondering, when i feel that i am weak they are strong,
i always tend to see no more than to look back the things that makes
me sad, deep in my heart i believe, i can survive in the game of
life, their must be no sad
face to face i must face the clouds that blacken my day, the blood,
that taint my heart, the dress that tore my skin, the oneness of my
soul cleanse my whole self, to take the uncertainty of today, i must
take this moment to live, what meant to live as the day is
mourning, scratching my grave
do it now, for tomorrow maybe it will never come............
poem by Antonio Liao
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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