In Their Minds
He may not win an election,
To lead a country.
Solely based on the color of his skin.
But he has shown what he can do brilliantly!
And that is represent himself,
With a poise and dignity.
Whether it is in speeches he gives,
Or an insight he has while standing on his feet.
Wherever he travels to parts of the world he is in!
We have to give him that!
And he does this all,
Without an appearance of a boombox,
Jive language or in shorts to show...
He plays terrific basketball!
Proving he can do these things,
Although he can upset some with his arrogance...
Who are extremely appalled.
Afterall...
There are many who oppose him.
Knowing 'they' are the ones he should defend.
If he would just dropp the notion of becoming president...
And with them become their point guard.
To help them secure championships!
In their minds what other reason,
Does he have to exist?
And assisting in winning all the games.
To bring a collective attention to their 'gifts'.
'That is better stated.
I personally still find it offensive...
But it is easier to take,
Than that last crude statement you made, Jesse!
However...
This one has less jealousy detected.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Without Feeling Guilt Or Appalled At All
It's just so sad...
To think that people don't get a bite to eat.
And it's just so sad...
These people aren't the only ones seen on the streets.
Some still live in homes,
While others condone roaming all alone.
Oh it's just too sad...
To know the ones who lead aren't leaders.
Although give they do nice and sweet speeches,
As if what will be done is prioritized...
And homelessness and hunger will soon meet defeat!
It's just so sad...
To witness people struggle to their feet.
And walk for miles to try to keep up...
Their heads as they seek dwindling opportunities.
As others pass them talking,
To leave them without greeting...
Or helping out to meet their needs.
People have the gall to dropp this ball,
Without feeling guilt or appalled at all!
People have the gall to dropp this ball,
Without feeling guilt or appalled at all!
It's just so sad...
To think that people don't get a bite to eat.
And it's just so sad...
These people aren't the only ones seen on the streets.
Some still live in homes,
While others condone roaming all alone.
(It's just so...)
People have the gall to dropp this ball,
Without feeling guilt or appalled.
(It's just so...)
People have the gall to dropp this ball,
Without feeling guilt or appalled.
(It's just so...)
People have the gall to dropp this ball,
Without feeling guilt or appalled.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Jesse James
(neil morris)
I'll tell you about jesse and frank james
My grandfather was personally acquainted with them
My grandfather lived in the southern edge of baxter county, arkansas
And they stayed all night with him lots of nights
And my grandfather told me there was a lot of those robberies that was layed to jesse and frank james
And he knew they didn't do it 'cause they was at his place when it happened
But you couldn't tell the public that
When they get their minds made up that somebody's done something
Why the public's gonna stick to it anyway
My grandfather, he knew them as boys
And they could come to his place and go without anybody paying attention 'cause nobody expected them
Down in arkansas, see, 'cause they was from missouri
Now that's the story that my grandfather told me when i was just a boy
And he said that frank james, at that world's fair,
I think it was 1901 in st. louis him and jesse were both there
My grandfather and frank james were together there
And that frank james offered to bring jesse there alive
He said that the man that the ford boys killed wasn't jesse james at all
But the fellow they killed was just about the size of jesse and he was red headed
And he wasn't any relation to the fords
See, jesse james was a known cousin to charles and bob ford
That's what my grandfather said
He said jesse and frank were not even in that part of the country when that fellow was killed
And the ford boys, why, they collected a thousand dollars for killing jesse james!
Now the song says that the ford boys killed jesse
None of us up here in the mountains believe that, no sir!
song performed by by Ry Cooder
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Why That Should Be Important to Them
When there are those who insist upon doing things their way...
And they do things,
Their way.
Why is it they have negative things to say,
About those who choose not to follow them?
They should be pleased.
Why do they then spend their time,
Attempting to prove to others they are right?
Shouldn't their activities be occupying their minds?
Doing those things their way.
Instead of trying to find out who is not?
And why that should be important to them!
Leaving what they say they do to be left undone.
Afterall...
Isn't having things to do their way the way they wanted,
Anyway?
And why are they upset with those who pay them no attention?
Someone is not doing what they say they do!
And 'busy bodied' nosy people always make claims!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Here to Breakdown Barriers
Please.
No need to apologize.
We all have a reason to misinterpret.
And yes, I do agree.
They should regard it a privilege,
That I am in their presence.
Ain't too many of me up in here!
Providing 'urban' insight.
From a point of view,
They believe from TV 'should' be...
Full of venom with tidbits of hate.
Because I am a black man.
Raised in projects they have created,
And made ghettos.
I do not serve that kind of mentality.
You see...
I know I have more to offer.
And I give it to them for free.
I am not a Huxtable.
Although I greatly appreciate Bill Cosby.
He too delivers from an insight fresh!
And as a writer/poet...
I do my best to express from a consciousness,
Much broader than the confines...
Of mindsets defined by one's color.
And from me,
People do get those experiences and observations...
Far beyond fenced in divisions.
And from me,
Expressed!
Not based upon beliefs or limitations of ignorance.
Those boundaries I wish to stretch!
And many might find that offensive,
Since it represents an intelligence unrestricted.
And some wish more ethnicity to see,
To classify me.
I defy those branded standards.
I am here to breakdown barriers!
Not to build them!
There are too many of those architects.
And I do not apply my insights,
To those aging blueprints I detest.
Yes.
And those who say they judge folks on their character?
Should not self annoint themselves as judges at all!
That's the point I make!
Again...
I am here to breakdown barriers!
Not to build them!
Or provide a safety net...
For those insecurities yet to heal.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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G.a.m.e.s.
Getting attention made easier in steps.
These games preyed upon victims...
For test and adolescent appeal!
Getting
Attention
Made
Easier in...
Steps!
These 'games' grow tired,
For the one who has played them!
And undesired by the one...
Who does very well,
When playing with the best!
Games as a whole,
Should be put to an emotional rest!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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On The Other Side Of Critique
That you and others,
Sharing the same point of view...
Find in your private discussions,
An embitterness expressed...
By those who publicly address,
Their disappointments...
As petty?
Is not surprising.
Considering your opinions,
Are socialized over cocktail sips.
I don't see you taking stances,
Or standing on your own two feet.
Gossiping you do and that is well done.
Quiet and secret.
And extremely discreet.
Never have you been a target.
But your expertise is in targeting.
You can be counted on to sit on a fence.
However,
Standing up for anything you defend...
The experience being on the other end of critique,
Would blind you like a deer...
Caught off guard by a spotlight as you tried,
Tip toeing your way across a crowded street.
You and the others would be out of your element.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Candied Kisses
She wants it sugar coated.
To clip and paste...
Upon her fragile reality.
He wants to be her superman.
Although he flies into brick walls.
And he can't quite come to his feet to stand.
He is human afterall.
Stumbling from a crawl.
To get up again...
Proving he has the balls to win.
They represent,
Roleplays
That have come to an end.
And they resent delays,
To their wishes.
They represent,
Roleplays
That have come to an end.
And they resent delays,
To their wishes.
She wants it sugar coated.
To clip and paste...
Upon her fragile reality.
He wants to be her superman.
Although he flies into brick walls.
And he can't quite come to his feet to stand.
He is human afterall.
Stumbling from a crawl.
To get up again...
Proving he has the balls to win.
Time and again to defend,
If he doesn't.
They represent,
Roleplays
That have come to an end.
And they resent delays,
To their wishes.
They represent,
Roleplays
That have come to an end.
And they resent delays,
To their wishes.
Woe oh,
They pray to have it their way.
Woe oh,
They were raised with candied kisses.
Woe oh,
They pray to have it their way.
Woe oh,
They were raised with candied kisses.
They represent,
Roleplays
That have come to an end.
And they resent delays,
To their wishes.
Woe oh,
They pray to have it their way.
Woe oh,
They were raised with candied kisses.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Please Do Not Take This Personally
I am impressed by your progress.
And 'controlled' ability to listen.
'That' I applaud.
We both have shown tremendous growth.
However,
I must bring this to your attention!
That you still refuse to regard my opinion,
Is a matter of your own survival.
I can only extend my best wishes.
But I will 'suggest' this...
Maybe vacating the entire building,
Before the wrecking ball swings.
And the building gets hit?
Leaving it,
Will decrease my 'suspicions'...
That you and your followers will suffer fatalities.
And maybe life long injuries that 'will' exist!
I'm not wishing this.
Perhaps it is an 'intuitive' perception.
Perhaps?
'How would you know this?
What experience do you have?
Why do you attempt to undermine my leadership?
And question my competence?
When 'that' stirs your jealousy.
And to see it is so sad!
When you can produce documented proof,
Perhaps 'then' your 'opinions...
Will be for us more significant.
Until then,
Things will be done as I see fit!
And I can see already,
You are envious of this!
Right now,
And please do not take this personally!
But right now,
I see you as an arrogant and egotistical opportunist!
Using that wrecking ball as a means to make a point,
You have yet to prove.'
You are right.
We do have communication problems.
However...
I do not foresee them as being in our way too much longer!
'I'm glad you have finally come to your senses.
You are not the only one,
With insight and observation.
And seeing it from our point of view,
There will be lessons learned for you.'
You have no idea!
And by the way...
No!
I don't.
I don't take these lessons to be learned,
As personal at all!
Not on these levels of such clarity.
In fact,
I am honored to have you teach them to me.
Lessons like these are life changing!
And once in a lifetime do they come.
Bon Voyage!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Steps With Few Exceptions
For some reason,
I've enjoyed being accused...
For those things I did not do!
I guess knowing who it is I am,
Eventually exposes those accusers...
For the liars I know them to be!
And not a dropp of sweat,
Drips from a heated brow.
None from my face I will allow.
That kind of nonsense does not upset me!
I've had too many experiences,
To get me standing on my own two feet.
And my steps,
With few exceptions...
I make conscious efforts to ensure they are correct.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Which Is It?
Hold up!
Are you trying to make me notice you?
Or are you making a point,
That I am being ignored?
And you have absolutely nothing else to do!
Which is it?
Everywhere I walk, stand or sit...
I see you,
Refusing to exchange my hello.
As if you wish me to beg,
For you to acknowledge it!
I'm the one that's seeking,
A place where no games like that exist.
But you are the one insisting,
My attention that you get!
I don't know what other clue I can give you.
But you are definitely the one that is proving...
You either have no interests in your life to pursue,
Or something in your head is a misfit that makes you sick!
Which is it?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Knowing That is
The best thing about the knowing,
Of something.
Is,
The knowing that 'is'.
Which no one can say,
From their point of view.
Is a misunderstanding and not okay.
How can they?
Isn't clarity a perception one accepts,
Digests and believes?
However.
One with an intuitive awareness,
With a knowingness of the difference.
Between fairness, honesty and injustice that demeans.
Is.
Today,
Suffering from a dilemma.
And has an unfortunate state of mind.
That when expressed,
Can upset others who become offensive,
And they defend by saying something obscene.
Especially when someone like this,
Does not have denial as an option from which to pick.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Serving
Please tell me how to serve you.
What do I have to share?
It is the way, I can thank The One,
Who always has been there.
Should I speak your words of kindness?
Should I speak your words of love?
Should I share with my brothers and sisters
My gift from up above?
Should I find one that I follow?
And let him take the lead.
Be an apprentice to the gardener
That's planting all your seeds?
Should I give most of my earnings?
Should I give someone my time?
Should I give my love, my life You gave?
Or give Your messages in my rhymes?
Should I show someone Your mercy?
Even though they've done me wrong.
And show them they still have a place.
In Your flock's where they belong.
Should I sacrifice my person.
And then lay down my life.
To fight for what You say is right.
Regardless of it's strife.
Should I go and join Your mission.
Help the needy and the poor.
To make someone's life better.
Better than before.
Should I show someone discernment.
And give them my insight.
To help them through their battle.
Become a soldier in their fight.
Do you need me to be a leader?
To guide all of your sheep.
Lead them all when they're awake.
And protect them while they sleep.
I know that surely I've been blessed.
With my gifts because you care.
But what makes my gifts so beautiful.
They are the gifts want to share.
poem by Ryan Lee Morris
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Identifiable Senselessness
A fool will always insist,
There is something besides an imbecile...
Inside that resides and does exist.
It is just the proving of this...
Seems much deeper under the surface,
That even floodlights can not find the evidence...
Because of the darkness clouding,
This kind of clownish mind...
All of the time,
With an identifiable senselessness.
A fool will always insist,
There is something besides an imbecile...
Inside that resides and does exist.
One argument is,
If one cares to know...
A fool would rather not let just anyone be exposed,
To a rare an unappreciated intelligence kept within.
Stop grinning!
For the fear that polluted thoughts may attempt to corrupt,
The brilliance that is shown once secrets have been discussed.
That's 'that' argument.
Now...
The more popular argument is,
That the proof is in the pudding.
And very few have any patience left,
To stay around wishing to get a taste of it!
With the amusement of waiting for an appearance,
Dwindling quicker by the minute.
Knowing that a fool is just seeking the attention.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Eyebrows Raised
Maturing with an expanding insight,
Is a lonely path to travel.
Especially when so many,
Are doing their best to reverse the clock.
And are limited in experiencing,
Alone time with God.
Or find it odd,
Someone walks by faith.
And not with a credit card.
To many the notion of God,
Is a 'thing' unseen and told exists.
With a telling they should be 'good'...
To appease the wishes of God.
'God please...
Gimme, gimme, gimme.'
Only to appear showing up to beg for 'something'.
As if a panhandler in any neighborhood.
Hoping to find someone, anyone...
Forgiving and willing with an empathy to give.
Maturing with an expanding insight,
Is a lonely path to travel.
Especially when one dares to announce,
The doing of this affords them to be trinket free.
'Where are your 'credentials'?
You aint nothing.
And if you were...
Where is it for me to see.
Show me something,
That validates your right to breathe.'
With eyebrows raised,
People are quick to defend their beliefs.
If they become to feel threatened,
Their insecurities are being exposed...
To another that can see their activities,
Are based upon charades masqueraded by routine.
'...and don't talk to me about your belief in God!
You aint got a thing to show for it.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Lack of Depth
The country was founded on racist principles.
It is a fact many can not face.
And...
Here it is in 2009,
They seek evidence to defend their insecurities.
And those who know this is what they do...
Supply it.
It is a game of sorts.
Of a mindless kind.
And harbored behind suburban walls...
Most of the time.
Whether monkeys are on the front pages,
Of newspapers depicting ignorant images...
To disrespect a loved leader.
As a warning to feed the masses.
And printed and defended by those 'innocent'.
Swept away by their own corrupted decadence.
Or displayed in a bookstore window...
With the offerings of President Obama.
To attract attention...
To the depths of their 'nobled' shallowness.
And digressed intentions clearly meant.
Of those lacking intelligence...
As something a degree defines for them.
So sick is all of this.
They seem to celebrate their wickedness.
And intelligence that is of a higher state of mind...
Has never been one of their attributes.
Theft, deception, lieing and hate expressions...
Are the basis of their foundations made.
And so apparent are these...their 'gifts'.
Folks will always find these kinds of people,
Doing the best they can to agitate.
Afterall...
They do feel they are superior!
However...
They are just not convincing enough to be!
Not to those who they expose their lack of depth,
Or express a consciousness.
Unless...
To offend others.
Especially those of color,
They feel free to unleash their demented contempt.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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God Defend New Zealand
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nation's van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
poem by Thomas Bracken
Submitted by anonym
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Controlling
There is no consoling,
Those who are controlling.
Sometimes experiences they have had...
Gives them a certain insight.
Dictating choices made.
With no need for questions to be asked.
Some are wise beyond their years.
Some make decisions that bring them tears.
But whatever it is and the task...
It has to be done their way!
With a returned mumble grumbling,
That does not last!
Perhaps it is a point to prove.
With ultimately leaving,
Nothing for anyone else to say.
Advice given to them will be heard.
And that may be detected...
On another given day!
There is no consoling,
Those who are controlling.
And the ones who know them best...
Think of them as loving folks.
Knowing they will do what needs to be done.
Seldom with complaint.
Rarely with protest!
Maybe they can be a bit more overprotective.
But also...
One will find them to have little time for themselves.
Finding them quite dependable!
And sometimes pests...
Who are never at rest!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Given A Separate Life To Live
This has to be 'divine' intervention.
And so happy I am you called,
To bring my activities to 'my' attention.
You know,
Just this morning I awakened...
With just this one thought on my mind.
I thought...
How can I be of more use to those,
In the catering to their self-centered ways.
And no sooner had I finished my questioning...
Here you are,
Telling me I have nothing else to do anyway.
Why should I object to fulfilling your requests?
This has to be 'divine' intervention.
And so happy I am you called,
To bring my activities to 'my' attention.
And...
I will be giving more of my attention,
To my own activities...
Very soon.
'Did I upset you?
What did I say? '
Upset?
With you?
Are you kidding.
No.
You said exactly what I needed to hear.
At the right time and hour of my life!
'Well...
Are you going to be on point or not? '
Oh...
So sharp am I going to be on point,
You may claim I am too dangerous to annoy...
From this day forward.
Knowing...
We each have been given a separate life to live.
Amen.
'AMEN? '
Amen.
Thank you.
I needed that.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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That Quest For Excellence Against Your Previous Self....
first they welcome you
they like you to be here
they assure you
the rules are fair
the hunger games begin
and you run for your shelter
this hiding game
in order to win
like that film
each one kills one another
until only one wins
you do not do that kind of thing
you run, and the faster you run away
the better for you
to feel that safety
and then finally when you find that
torch of victory
when you carry it with your hands
to light
their darkness
they will say, it is foul, it is not meant to be that way
the color of your skin is brown, it is earthly
and filthy and
simply unacceptable to the royalty of the past
the glorious renaissance of the white and the blue
you give in, you disrobe yourself
and you are naked
the world sees the truth in nudity
how beautiful it can be
and you run as fast as you can
because that is the only way to be human
after all, you add, winning is not what is sought for
it is the dignity of the journey
the excellence against your self.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Crazed With A Self Centeredness
When a leader of intelligence,
That clearly should get respect...
But doesn't by those who have chosen,
To express their ignorance.
This reflects on what they represent.
With nothing left that can be said,
About beliefs that are kept...
In the minds of those,
Crazed with a self centeredness.
'Not only are your actions disrespectful,
But you also have been fed a belief...
You can do and say as you please.
With a representing of those like yourself,
Providing a validation as to why the world,
Is in such a mess.'
~I thought you were finished with your statement.~
'No!
You wanted to give your ignorance an attention.
And without mentioning how well you represent it,
You should be proud of it being televised.
Congratulations.
Now...
If you have finished interrupting me,
I will proceed with the continuing of my speech.
And may I add...
Thank you for providing your unsolicited endorsement.
You have relieved me from announcing your stupidity.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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