Honor of Deed
Raised to place their values in 'things'.
And the superficialness of looks,
With the best of false pretensions.
Very few of them have sacrificed their lives,
In the honor of deed.
Without proceeding that 'development'
With the asking for payment,
Or if an hourly fee for their activity was involved.
None would find time available.
If certain desires are not met.
And the few who are...
Available,
Busy themselves for critique,
And fashion!
AND may spend all day perfecting the 'look'!
As if in ceremony.
To welcome their own 'gorgeousness'.
No one would roll up their sleeves.
To sweat for free and purpose?
Even though the act of that,
Would aid in their survival!
These folks would rather be clothed...
Dressed to 'the nines'.
Seen strolling on urban streets looking healthy and 'fine'.
Or at least giving that perception.
Although in reality...
Many thought it distasteful to share.
Or beg for anything to eat!
If that was not done...
Like everthing done they do,
In discreet!
Note:
Dressed to the 'nines' was an expression
said in 'the day' when Black folks, Negroes...
African Americans, if you will, would dress
as if to impress and flaunt their looks. Primarily
in urban centers. Saving their best attire for Sunday.
In a respect that has drastically diminished over the years.
Today...
More are concerned with babysitting idealogies of the past.
As if not to offend the existence of disrespect.
With a condoned neglect and an acceptance of ignorance!
Of course this is an opinion...
many can not seem to erase from the 'clarity' of observation!
As well as other tragic signs of those living in denial.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
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
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Some Kind Of Welcomed Status
No one should feel threatened,
To serve a life sentenced...
Spent surrounded where people enjoy,
Mediocrity cemented in ignorance...
As if they are meant to seek this to employ.
I can understand why the young people,
Strike out and defy authority as they do!
Most adults are immature...
Without a presence of discipline that is endured.
And...
In most urban centers this is what people choose,
As an approval of some kind of welcomed status.
Or a showing by example,
Those qualities of leadership expressed...
To impress their children.
However...
Neglect is what these young folks expect.
With a quickness of their lives lived,
With no understanding the finalizing of death.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Celebrity Line Up
Dressed to the nines,
the celebrity lines
up. Bedecked in fine
jewelry. Sign
of star power.
Winners of the hour
I do so admire.
Stunning attire.
The glitter, the fire,
More shine, more color.
Someone Needs to Inform Them
Personally...
I find it quite awkward,
To have them standing on the sidelines
Discussing the decline of their quality of life!
And now they come into the urban areas,
Looking for artists to disguise their vacancies.
This is what they do...
'To connect'.
I didn't mind it at all when the call was specifically,
To throw some paint on the empty buildings!
But now they want their faces painted to disguise their tears?
And all of this could have been avoided,
If they did not masquerade as they climbed up the ladder...
To shout out directions to those below them.
With the utmost disrespect.
Now they are trying to pretend they were on the look out.
And want to share in artistic profits,
By declaring finder's fees?
They are absolutely gifted in manipulation.
But this time they will have to suffer the consequences,
Of their actions.
And someone needs to inform them...
That the wearing of clown suits in the urban neighborhoods,
Is not a wise decision.
They have been living in isolation so long...
They actually believe some folks will accept them,
As performers from a circus coming to town?
This is not the time to take themselves so seriously!
And those they wish to entertain now...
With this 'sign' of brotherhood,
Are probably not going to find them amusing at all!
Especially when everyone knows,
These same antics were used to speed the decline!
They were dressed like fools.
And that's the way they were treated!
However...
Personally,
I find it quite awkward...
That they would try to ruin my reputation.
To have me appear to be stupid.
And they go to great lengths,
To appear as bigger fools!
Are they in competition to determine,
'Who' is the most ignorant?
I hope not.
Because they have won that,
With no objection expressed.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Hardheadedness
Ignorance for what it is...
Is ignorance for what it is!
Romanticizing it as it has been done,
In urban centers throughout the country...
To benefit those living in suburbia,
And their misguided opinions and decisions...
Is not going to bestow upon anyone,
The glow of enlightenment.
Not with the thickness of hardheadedness in the way!
Some folks can not be taught.
They 'have' to be shown!
All of it has been to someone else's benefit!
And if you are one who find that you are whining...
This benefit does not belong to you!
It is not yours.
A picture drawn in crayon is best understood!
Hopefully.
At least an attempt should be made...
To search for any display of a higher consciousness,
Seeking release.
From under the rubble of thoughtlessness,
After the onslaught of attacks from mindlessness.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Visitor
Honestly?
You asked for my opinion,
And here it is for free!
Anyone can say what they want.
And process what they want to share.
I've learned over the years,
To keep my business to myself...
And not let my business become 'theirs'.
Folks who have a different reality,
That's fine...
It may not be mine.
Wherever their minds are,
That's on them...
I keep my mind away!
I'm not going to stay around anyone,
Making attempts to be accepted...
By choosing right words to say!
I enjoy my life and where it is right now.
And that was a long time coming.
I take my time listening to the birds...
And sometimes with them I'm humming!
I appreciate the little things,
And observe again what was passed by!
When I talk to someone in conversation...
I look them in the eyes.
I don't disrespect anyone with neglect,
By looking away or up to the sky!
That kind of treatment is worse than telling a lie!
And from those kinds of people...
I do my best to hide!
I've learned to have fun,
And sometimes by myself.
I don't have to be in a crowd of folks...
To feel important or laugh at bad jokes.
And honesty comes first with me.
Someone who doesn't give it is instantly dismissed!
I don't waste my time with pretense or self indulgence.
Or kiss up to anyone to be part of someone's clique!
And if I show myself in disguise,
Wearing a mask that does not fit!
I want it known,
I am either not feeling well...
Or around those that are making me sick!
And...
That's not a habit I would normally condone.
That is why affairs like these I'd rather leave alone!
'Oh?
So I take it you are a visitor,
And not from around this area?
I must get back to mingling with my friends.
Thank you for your observations!
You never know...
We might meet again! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Alms For The Poor. Alms For The Poor
'Alms for the poor.
Alms for the poor.'
Is this a new gimmick their using?
Isn't it a bit early to be dressed,
Like characters from a Charles Dickens' novel?
It's not even Halloween yet.
And those folks are dressed is if prepared,
To sing Christmas Carols.
~Well...
I'm not one to be cynical about these things.
Or quick to express a saccharine sentmentalism...
For those I see appearing in Victorian costumes,
This early in the season.
But I will say this...
Whoever advised them to come to this side of the 'hood',
Dressed like that...
Begging? Or whatever that is they are doing,
Has got to be the best salesman 'ever'.
Or...?
Consider this observation,
Those folks are pushing something discovered better than crack.
And they've come to the 'hood'...
To test this new taste of Christmas in October.
To get folks hooked and as high as possible,
To care less what holiday season is near.~
LOL
~Don't laugh.
I remember when 'arms for the poor' meant a soliciting.
Those folks have buckets in their hands,
Painted with pumpkin faces on them.
With their arms stretched out.
Offering samples of whatever is in them.
And...
Dressed in Victorian costumes.
At this time of the night in the inner city?
That doesn't make you suspicious? ~
Comeon.
What's so unusual about it?
They've come to display their charitable natures.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Some Folks Lives Roll Easy
Words & music by paul simon
Some folks lives roll easy as a breeze
Drifting through a summer night
Heading for a sunny day
But most folks lives, oh they stumble
Lord they fall
Through no fault of their own
Most folks never catch their stars
And here I am, lord
Im knocking at your place of business
I know I aint got no business here
But you said if I ever got so low
I was busted,
You could be trusted
Some folks lives roll easy
Some folks lives
Never roll at all
Oh, they just fall
They just fall
Some folks lives
song performed by by Paul Simon
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Now That It Is Shown
Whatever it is you thought it was...
Isn't.
Nor had it been.
Although you were convinced...
It would never end.
And now that it is shown,
What you believed was known...
Has gone.
You want to know what is going on.
Reality as it should be!
Had not been introduced.
Not like it is now...
For all to see.
And many are in denial...
That 'this' reality,
Is not what they expected...
To leave such an effective,
Truthfulness!
And those nourished on complete fantasy...
Believe 'reality' should be encouraged,
To approach them!
As a means to allow its acceptance!
And sickened by an exclusivity nonexistent.
'Why are they here dressed in tuxedos and furs? '
They wish to show themselves as the chosen.
And have come to impress the unconscious.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Lost to Connect a Thought
The more I understand...
The less time I spend around those,
Who do not comprehend.
I've become very impatient.
And at times feeling isolated.
I witness more and more people,
Pretending to be aware.
And these folks are the first to declare...
They have no clue,
As to what is going on!
And somehow...
Immediately I know exactly why!
The more I understand...
The less time I spend around those,
Who do not comprehend.
I've become very impatient.
Especially around those who dress to impress.
And these folks are lost to connect a thought!
I begin to feel guilty.
As if I have a reason...
To be and feel just as self centered.
Objectively self obsessed.
But unable to express it!
Or flaunt it like the rest.
What's wrong with me?
Why am I reluctant...
To bear my resumé on my sleeve,
And sip cocktails?
To bore in such confessing conversations.
Is it the fear of being believed?
Or is it...
That I'd rather spend my time,
In the production of deeds?
To complete and do to get done.
'I think it's...'
Ssshhh...
I'm not asking.
That's just a method I use,
To motivate my own self importance.
It works all the time!
Trust me.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Bad
She's so bad!
Off the hook...
And cookin'.
Once thrown to the curb.
Now much deserving of the good...
As it should be!
And triumphant!
He's so bad!
Now 'sick' and 'dope'.
The one folks gave up hope then...
On him!
Once off track.
Now back and bad!
They use to share a fifth of gin,
And drank.
Broke and busted up,
'Dunked' and 'tanked'.
Sank to lows...
It showed!
Now...
They 'be' so bad!
From sad rags to mental riches reached.
Devotees of quick highs on urban streets.
They 'be' so bad they teach...
With no need to speak,
To those who 'see'.
They move in a flow...
That exposes an inner glow,
So bad!
Bad they 'is'...
And up,
From lives not easy!
Dedicated To:
All my 'brothers' and 'sisters'
around the World who have conquered addictions
of all kinds that once left them feeling defeated!
Whether struggling on urban streets...
or isolated in surburban delusions!
Congratulations! You are to be admired!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Causes and Affects
Not into that community madness thing.
You know...
The kind that unifies with speeches for peace,
Two hours after a fresh drive by?
Complete with domestic violence,
And silent prayer vigils.
With tear stained faces...
To mask the commonplace,
Disrespect and self neglect!
Somehow...
Those re-inactments,
Squeezes from me...
Every last dropp of joy I have.
For a round of aging sentiments?
Complete with Bible thumpers...
Singing hymns with scriptures preached.
And these same folks can't speak to me,
When they pass me on the streets?
Someone's not receiving the message,
And what can and should be done!
To 'overcome'!
But guess whose steps moves away from this mess!
Divorced and totally agitation free?
Appealing to my peace of mind...
I find belongs to me these days!
Can you see in my eyes the absence of 'craze'?
I wish I could share with you more of it.
But it took too long to arrive.
And I value that...
Much more than recycled efforts!
Truth in reassessment!
That's my daily affirmation!
And your approach...
Has problems dealing with the causes and affects,
Of a perfected ignorance!
If folks don't wish to know...
Or care about their own growth.
How many marches do you think it will take...
For them to locate an identity that unifies,
An acceptance of self?
Before or after 'Lifting Every Voice in Song'?
It is rumored,
Harriet Tubman only had a flashlight,
To lead folks out of the darkness!
Today...
Everyone has a cellphone.
And 'still' can not comprehend,
A text message sent!
And I rush to get a monthly bus pass,
To keep it real and freshly communicated.
With...
'Commuters'?
Exactly!
And free of surcharges.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Not Only Can Stun But Shock
It amazes me,
How a few dollars...
Can change one's perception.
Or a title one is given.
Or where one goes to school,
To receive a degree.
It amazes me,
What one wears on one's back...
Indicates to some,
Where that person's mind is at.
Or where one lives suggests,
Someone has hygiene.
And that is daily addressed.
Or what one drives,
Has a lesser need for gasoline.
Or the person that drives a nice car...
Can afford to buy groceries.
It amazes me...
How some folks judge other folks,
By skin color alone.
And how some folks with the same skin tone...
Dislike themselves,
Or siblings they can't condone.
Or those living on the same street who don't even speak.
And these same folks attend the same church...
To hear a preacher sermonize about sin,
And communal unity!
It amazes me how ignorance expressed,
Receives more respect than someone with intelligence.
It amazes me how decadence is praised.
And those who choose to worship it...
Are the ones of sleaze,
Who sit on pedestals raised!
This,
Not only can stun...
But shock anyone,
Who has been awakened from an unconsciousness!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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You Have Been Given Another Point Of View
I apologize if I offend you.
And those delusions you've been fed to keep.
But you see...
My life is not lived in Hollywood.
And none of my ancestors,
Came close to serving time...
On a movie set.
My comments may come as a surprise,
To upset your insights.
But my reality has been annointed by the ghetto.
In those urban centers of city life.
Where very few of those so called 'elite' go.
I apologize if I offend you.
Although I could easily cuss you out.
And not have my bitter experiences,
Think twice about it.
I was not shelter by protectors with the giving of lollipops.
Dysfunctions of all kinds I knew as friends.
I've been blessed with a mind that sees beyond limitations.
I share this with you,
Because I know of me...
You have been given another point of view.
And I don't want you to receive the wrong directions,
By anyone who believes they know...me!
And...
Where I have been, where I am now and where I intend to go.
And only that is revealed,
When I arrive to leave upon my announcing it.
If I wish.
And often I don't.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Left to Play the Blame Game
Conditioned to discredit their own kind.
In neighborhoods...
Where one has said,
Folks have lost their moral fiber.
Others who have come to witness this...
Have come to realize,
Those folks have also lost their minds.
Unfortunately...
They have been encourage,
To lose their identity as well.
Their ambitions have been to flaunt,
A foolishness dressed to impress!
In a collected unified distrust of one another.
Not realizing this would lead to communities,
Under duress.
And stressed in their own distress.
With no one left to care,
How or if they correct such a mess.
Since this has been their wish!
Bestowing a self destruction done at its best.
Left to play the blame game...
With no one but themselves.
Pointing fingers!
And leaving them to thrive...
In conditions they've imposed,
But have chosen to see it with eyes...
In blind defiance.
Despising truth,
That confronts them exposed.
But this and who they are goes denied!
No matter who comes qualified...
To tell them about themselves.
Or tries to correct their ignorant lives.
Whether dressed in street clothes...
Or suited up with bowties!
'They just do not get it! '
A mindset this shallow...
Although recognized,
Is best to leave in the hands of those who defend it.
Since those who criticize and become offended,
Are the ones that are ostracized!
The ones trying to mend it!
Finding they are living much happier lives...
Divorced from such division.
Divorced from those in constant criticsms.
And observing this nonsense from the outside.
Living with a peace of mind...
As a decision made.
And feeling grateful and blessed,
In confessions they profess...
They were able to find,
With a welcomed rest!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Don't Try to Use Logic
Let's set aside our differences,
Of opinion.
And together,
Come to this agreement!
No where will I...
Or should I obligate myself,
To have your priorities...
In my head.
Nor hold myself accountable,
For the lack of interest to do so.
No where in my mind...
Can I find,
Justification to feel guilty...
For your display of irresponsibility.
And I recently spent all of five minutes,
Being concerned of giving that too much thought.
Let's set aside our differences,
Of opinion.
And together,
Come to this agreement!
You will,
In the very near future...
No longer accuse me for not being 'there' for you.
And I...
Will not find it necessary,
To wonder where you are when I arrive...
To find you gone.
Doing whatever it was that suits you.
AND with whoever.
And we...
You and I,
Can today agree...
That completing those things I need to do,
To get things done...
Will not anger you.
And while I am doing that,
At the best of my ability...
You will focus all of your attention,
On locating a purpose for your life.
How's that?
Does that sound reasonable enough to you?
'Don't try to use logic on me.
It is a little too late for that!
You're 'always' thinking of yourself!
What do you think I am,
Stupid?
If you don't have time to drive me,
To my job interview.
And wait patiently,
Until I'm done to bring me back home...
Fine!
But say it.
Don't beat around the bush with me.'
Son...
I love you.
But at 45 years old...
Don't you think,
That's YOUR responsibility?
You 'kids' are something else today.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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To Address As A Valued Standard Formality
People do not want to hear the truth.
Not as it is apply to the activity of reality.
Nor do they want to take time to listen...
With a patience to comprehend,
Anything mentioned to them...
That may be detrimental to their lives.
And with a quickness they find ways,
To fantasize.
However...
A complaining without an end to this,
Many will do...
After learning they have been deceived.
And these very same people,
Do their best to impress with pretensions.
To address as a valued standard formality.
They don't call this deception.
This is preferred to be called social etiquette.
Intermixing with others also associated,
With the giving of false appearances.
As a feeding of nonsense fed is shared between them.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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No Acceptance Of What Is Going On
Many today are living lives in desperation.
Few are still clinging onto delusions.
The kind that only an appearance from Santa Claus,
Can forever erase.
The shouting sounds of reality,
Can not chase them away...
From their 'what if' existences.
There is no acceptance of what is going on,
In front of their faces.
And their lack of involvement,
Has invited what it is they deny.
Many today are living lives in desperation.
Few are still clinging onto delusions.
The kind that only an appearance from Santa Claus,
Can forever erase.
Minds are gone!
And there is no where to retrieve them,
From a lost and found!
Minds are gone!
And some folks were never attached to one,
To know what it is they are missing.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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What Children Once Did
As far as perceptions go,
One should not believe they know another,
Based upon what they have been told.
Everything living like the seasons do change.
There are too many people walking around,
Who have yet to say hello to someone 'known'.
But can spend hours talking about that person,
As if they had witnessed all of their activities since birth.
And when it comes to some folks related to others,
Embellishing what they do as time passes on...
Is enough for them to create who that person is 'today',
Because it was known who they were in elementary schools...
Doing what children once did and still are expected to do.
With the leaving of hints and the dropping of clues,
As to why there is such a tolerance...
For immaturity and the acceptance of ignorance.
And the allowance given not to offend,
Those who have abandoned accountability altogether.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Belief System
Some folks do things,
Because they want others to 'believe'...
They 'are' somebody.
Who knows what's up,
The sleeves of people like these.
And those folks with 'beliefs'
Who know they have 'always' been 'somebody'
Don't need to look for acknowledgement.
They are going to get it anyway.
Because of who they are!
And wherever they are...
Good deeds done,
Seem to be always something done they do.
There is no belief system used to convince.
There is an obviousness without the need to mention.
It is in the existence,
That transcends what may or may not be...
What comes forward off of people's lips,
For others to physically with their eyes see.
And...
It is not because of what they want others to believe!
That this is so,
From embellished exaggerations.
Entertaining and released from an implementation.
And fantasies from them born...
To come to life and grow!
It is in the observation,
That proves a deserving worthiness...
Upon which others bestow,
Those of merit that receive attention.
Leaving to be distanced,
Those folks who wish others to believe
They are 'somebody'.
And they are...
Provoked into some self serving action.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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