When I Lead I Do Not Follow
I am not one to seek,
That good negro on the plantation appeal.
I am a field hand and proud of it.
Although I can whip up some biscuits,
And clean and take care of a house.
You may even see me fixing a shingle.
But...
I will also sneak off to read a book.
And appear at banquets,
Regardless of how I look.
And dare to socialize and entertain.
I'm not defined by my emotional hangups!
Or will allow engrossing conversations about it!
To then remain upset,
Because I may be patronized.
'How does it feel to be a Black man,
In today's intolerant society.'
Excuse me?
I hope you are not representing,
An abundance of ignorance here.
If so,
Let me know!
I'd rather go out and plow.
Or feed some surprised cow in the field.
I will not be sharing ancestral stories.
I can choose to impress if I wish...
IF I took that time.
And I can be quite 'lofty'
When I use my mind to dropp jaws and lips.
If I so incline!
But what would be accomplished...
And my purpose for it?
I know who I already 'R'!
And I can 'beez' all that...
If I wanted.
But my needs are simplistically met.
However...
Trying to find acceptance,
To excuse my heritage that I embrace...
Will not leave me to monitor my outer appearance.
Just to be another fool,
With no identity or dignity...
To acknowledge being disgraced.
Some just choose to be seen and beam.
And when I lead...
I do not follow!
Just in case you might think I'd be annoyed,
By you calling me 'boy'.
Or make reference to my coloredness.
Those 'others' might trip!
But me...
I've already been through it.
And my preferences are not exceeded,
By my expectations.
Or judgements 'I' may pass.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
My Home Is Not Your Parents' House
Excuse me.
I believe I misunderstood your last comment.
I could have sworn I heard you say...
As long as I do what I choose to do,
Just accept it.
What did you mean by that?
'It's all quite simple.
You do what you want and I do what I want.
What's the purpose for asking questions?
If I am going to choose to do what I wish,
That's exactly what I am going to do.'
Is the look of disbelief still on my face?
And you expect to share my space as room-mates?
Uh...
Excuse me!
I believe I misunderstood 'everything' about you.
My home is not your parents' house.
And I am not into role play.
I hope you got that to get it for good!
Now get out
This is no place for moochers or sponge cadets.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Only Then to Find Myself
When I made a decision
To use the name I was blessed with
Adding a second name that meant exactly
What my first name means in a different dialect...
Folks got upset.
Because I wanted to perfect my identity!
Lawrence S. I was going to be!
People could not pronounce 'Suhuba'.
Thinking it was something like scuba diving.
And when I told them the name was Yoruban.
From true Egyptian/Yoruba tradition...
You would have thought those of colonial understandings,
Had thought I lost my ancestral mind!
I've known who I've been all this time!
I am defined and proud,
To announce my heritage out loud.
Originality?
Being free of subservience,
I imagine that is what is seen in me.
I have an integrity with dignity.
And could care less who is lost in distress.
I was there...
Before I awakened,
To remove someone else's brand!
Only then to find myself...
Disrespected by my own kind,
Whose minds had been completely brainwashed!
And free to think of themselves as insignificant.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
O my God excuse me
O my God excuse me
Excuse me.
Without borrowing and
Without stealing
It is quite impossible
To live with dignity
And what is dignity
I am unable to understand
O God excuse me.
O my God excuse me
Excuse me.
Being human
I be committed to
Public cause
I am not able to do it
O God excuse me.
O my God excuse me
Excuse me.
I am unable to practice
Tolerance and create
Nuisance
I am unable to understand
O God excuse me.
O my God excuse me
Excuse me.
The mistake I have done
And the punishment
I have got
O God excuse me
Excuse me.
poem by Gajanan Mishra
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Many Seek Status
To acknowledge that I 'am'
Who I 'am' and in the 'now'
Of my life!
Is for me a major achievement.
And one I live excuse free.
One based upon truth and honesty!
Many seek status.
Like an apparatus to mask.
Perhaps with hopes,
An acceptance is passed.
Or something that is approved...
As a test or a task.
If a status is proclaimed,
With wishes to keep one connected.
The time will not be long...
Until someone comes along,
To define that status wrong!
And pursued at the expense,
On one's identity...
That is compensated usually,
To eventually dispense.
To acknowledge that I 'am'
Who I 'am' and in the 'now'
Of my life!
Is for me a major achievement.
And one I live excuse free.
With a peace of mind,
I am glad to find...
Based upon truth and honesty!
And anyone who does not see it that way...
It is okay.
I am not going to debate it!
I am not in the pursuit of status!
To attract materialistic dreams.
With shine, sheen or gleam.
As a first time passenger on my journey...
I seek only God to please.
With deeds.
And a gratefulness to do so.
Many seek status!
And perhaps,
For them...
That is what God has assigned.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Some Obstacles Are Planted By Those Who Test
...and the fact is this...
I am not one on a mission,
To prove to those who witness...
I am here to exist.
Nor do I hesitate to debate a foolishness.
The first thing most would come to think,
When I take opportunities...
To declare I am black,
Is someone prepared to defend that fact!
Or feel I must attack because I am labelled that.
Listen...
The color of one's skin,
Has little to do with the mind within them.
And I will not allow a scrimmage,
To scuffle with in set defined limits.
Or restrict my life,
To choose what I do because it is liked.
Although I will admit,
Some obstacles are planted by those who test...
With a purpose to discourage my ambitiousness.
And I've learned not to get upset,
By those representing that kind of ignorance left.
Either at my door to greet.
Or laid before my placed footsteps!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Let It Whip
Wanna see you whip it
Should've treated you right
Give me just a minute
Of your time tonight
We both are here to have the fun
So let it whip
We'll get into groovin'
Love your body language
Baby, let me know
You've got me sort of anxious
We both are here to have the fun
So let it whip
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
So what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
Now that you can see
How you groove with me
What else can I do
To get closer to you
We both are here to have the fun
So let it whip
We have the natural feeling
Obviously revealing
Let me be your paper man
I'd love to be your joker man
We both are here to have the fun
So let it whip
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
Well, what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
(C'mon whip)
(C'mon whip)
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
So, what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
(C'mon whip)
Ohhh
(C'mon whip)
(There's no time to lose)
There is no time to lose
(You're the one I choose, it's alright)
You're the one I choose,
I only wanna be with you
You're the one for me
Can't you see that I
(I won't waste your time)
I won't waste your time
(I sense something divine in you)
Something divine in you
(yes I do)
Oooh-hoo-hoo
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
So, what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
(C'mon whip)
(C'mon whip)
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
So, what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
(C'mon whip)
(C'mon whip)
(There's no time to lose)
There is no time to lose
(You're the one I choose, it's alright)
Hey, you're the one I choose,
I only wanna be with you
You're the one for me
Can't you see that I
(I won't waste your time)
I won't waste your time
(I sense something divine in you)
Something divine in you
(yes I do)
Oooh-hoo-hoo
So let it whip
(let's whip it baby)
Child
(let's whip it right)
Get a grip
(let's whip it baby, whip it all night)
So, what's your trip
(oh no)
Child
C'mon let it whip
(C'mon whip)
(C'mon whip)
song performed by by Boyz II Men
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Sticky Fingerprints
How can you take what is mine,
Away from me?
And excuse that act,
As something that you do?
I've heard of those addicted,
Do the same thing too!
And not care a bit about,
Who they choose to screw.
And you do it to me,
Like I'm a fool to use.
But I am not the one...
You can use and abuse.
How can you lie and fake,
Honesty and trust?
When your sticky fingerprints,
Are slick with each touch.
And you do it to me,
Like I'm a fool to use.
But I am not the one...
You can use and abuse.
I've heard of those addicted,
Do the same thing too!
And not care a bit about,
Who they choose to screw.
How can you take what is mine,
Away from me?
And excuse that act,
As something that you do?
And you do it to me,
Like I'm a fool to use.
But I am not the one...
You can use and abuse.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
We Choose
We could choose to end all starving,
We could end all prejudice,
We could choose to end all war,
We did this all before,
We could end all pollution,
We could choose to end poverty and strife,
We did this all before, we had a holy life.
We deny our God Selves every day,
We need Saints to worship and say it’s O.K.
We choose to keep our institutions,
that have a stake in all this,
to keep illness going and keep us from bliss.
Now, read the book “Conversations with God”
One, Two and Three,
Then if you are ready you will listen and finally see.
What We could do things differently, if We so choose,
We should make changes now, we have no time to lose.
Written By Christina Sunrise on November 8,2011
poem by Christina Sunrise
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Love Field
You lie so unfolded
In a love field
With your contempt for any modesty
In a love field
In a love field
In a love field
You yield with your lips still sealed
In a love field
Lost in a sea of imaginary women
Everything youd want
From the dawn to the dimming
Breath comes sharp and heart beats faster
In a love field
Cold ground for a pillow
Under a blanket of stars
In a love field
In a love field
In a love field
Headlights that startled
This embrace of hours
In a love field
In a crooked house
Where things can be arranged
You think youre different from the rest
But you dont see how youve changed
Under an archway
On a road of white linen
In a love field
Feel the anxious rhythm of a functional stranger
In a love field
In a love field
In a love field
Shes so tense but its never mentioned
In a love field
song performed by by Elvis Costello
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Test My Appetite
Some prefer and choose perfection,
To convey ideals...
Promoted to instill.
With a showing of a knowledge...
In a hope that this appeals.
And then there are those,
Who have chosen to be real.
Grounded and solid of sound minds.
To find they are critiqued...
By those of the pretentious kind.
'It is not proper etiquette,
To dip biscuits in stew.'
~Hey...
I am here to eat.
Not to see what others do.
And IF you're looking for a silver spoon.
To eat your stew?
You go and do that.
And my biscuits will be in your stew too!
In these times,
I will nourish first...
Before rehearsing any refinement,
I've learned from the past.
But today does not work.~
'It is not proper etiquette,
To dip biscuits in stew.'
~Hey...
I am here to eat.
Not to see what others do.
And IF you're looking for a silver spoon.
To eat your stew?
You go and do that.
And my biscuits will be in your stew too!
Go ahead!
Test my appetite!
I dare you.
Leave that stew.
And I'll show you what can be done with it.~
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Read Me Like a Book
You wish to read me like a book?
Good.
You will find each piece to fit.
Very little of it will be misunderstood.
I am not a one dimensional quick read at all.
I lay it on the line.
You will find I wont allow anyone,
To sit and pick my mind.
I don't waste that kind of time.
Unless,
Of course...
You are divorced from that as well?
Hmmm...
You wish to read me like a book?
Good.
You have no idea how much I wish,
To get you hooked.
Craving to salivate.
Drooling!
Each chapter has been crafted,
With some sentiment and pain.
You will find some sorrow and regret.
And some expression of heartache left.
You will discover blemishes and flaws,
With attempts to have them corrected.
Notice I admit imperfection...
With self reflection I don't neglect.
Or regret it is you I wish to impress.
No games of tit for tat I play.
I say what I mean.
Not what you wish to hear me say.
And none of it is from mumbled lips.
I want each word read you 'read' conveyed!
I want what I say in your mind to stay.
You wish to read me like a book?
Good.
But you will never comprehend...
How long this process took.
Flip through each page,
As if you seek definition.
You will discover I am not perfect.
But freed by a peace...
To solict your complete and total admission.
Willing to show you mended scars.
You wish to read me like a book?
Good.
I knew you were coming!
That's why it is already open.
Take your time.
I want you to find me an easy read.
Hopefully to collaborate on new chapters.
Together,
You and me.
You wish to read me like a book?
Good.
Take me with your eyes.
Hold me in your hands.
And bring me close to your heart!
There we are.
Touching!
That's how I like it.
Do you?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Solitude
Tim he was a good friend
Yea was a brother of mine
We were imaginary comic book superheroes
Kids wasting time
We were prisoners of our youth
We were growing up strong
til the day he was taken away
For something he did wrong
Tim came round just the other day
And boy he had some stories to tell
His mama kept him locked up in a rehab
Although the doctors said he was well
He said yeah I been through the anger
And the hatred towards my mom
And I put all that behind me
Just tell me what was it like to go to your prom
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Well growing up these days just aint easy
And the kids theyre doing the best that they can
So mama you better think twice
Before you lock your kid up and throw away the key
cause soon your little boy is gonna be a man
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Tim left town yesterday
He left me with these words
He said yeah I know this lifes got a lot to give
But my childhood is gone
And Im not afraid of dying
Im gonna grab the world by the horns and learn how to live
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
song performed by by Edwin McCain
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
From the Lips
Excuse:
'I didn't want to see them like that.
That is why I didn't come by to see them,
Before they passed away.'
Excuse:
'I know I should have asked you
How you were doing!
But I was told you were doing fine,
And that's why I hadn't called! '
Excuse:
'Even though I know most of our relatives
Attended.
I didn't get an invitation.
My father got one.
I should have received one too! '
Excuse:
'I really didn't tell lies on you and things you did.
I just told them what I heard.
And when I saw you the other day,
You didn't speak to me.
But I didn't tell them you didn't see me...
And what I heard came from someone,
Who hasn't seen you at all! '
These excuses come from the lips,
Of those who will swear they know you!
Everything about you...
And more!
Why they stay amazed,
You would rather keep away from them...
Day and night to remain in peace,
Will not stop a dropp of their gossip!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
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
Vote! | Copy!
What 'Fit' Would I Want
Identity?
I've had one for so long.
All my life,
I have lived to perfect it.
I don't get upset with those with none.
Those who prefer to turn away and run...
If confronted!
Identity?
I know who I am without question.
Acceptance I don't seek.
Not from those
Who believe my identity
Might leave others afraid to speak.
Those familiar with others,
Who shuffle along with stances weak.
I have no problem,
Being me and that might offend.
'Too bad! '
'Get over it! '
Nothing else or more is there...
I care to share with them!
What 'fit' would I want,
If that which I enjoy...
Provides me comfort?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Do Not Waste Your Patience
What can be said,
About those who make their own decisions?
Those who get upset by them,
And begin to accuse others...
For their brooding self inflicting,
Choices in life they have chosen to choose.
Nor do they appreciate their own lives they hate!
People like this blame others for their failures.
Seek to analyze who lead them into traps.
And jealous of advancements of others they are.
Especially those they use to laugh at behind their backs.
Those that now witness them shuffling along...
With long faces drawn and ambitions distant and gone.
What can be said,
About those who make their own decisions?
Those who get upset by them,
And begin to accuse others...
For their brooding self inflicting,
Choices in life they have chosen to choose.
Hating themselves and everyone around them too!
Nothing!
There is nothing anyone can possibly say or do,
For those who refuse to listen and comprehend...
Any advice that is given to them!
And empathy expressed they also ignore too!
The best decision one in this position can make...
Is to evaluate the situation,
And from this excuse creator...
Move!
Do not apologize when exiting swiftly,
To break quickly away.
Just keep on steppin'.
Move!
Do not waste your patience!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Edible?
You may choose to fool yourself,
With overused semantics.
To recreate definitions as you wish.
With an appeal to appease.
Philosophies are just what they are...
Subjected to limitations.
Edible?
They are not!
But they can feed,
The minds of those...
Who choose to gather,
In preparation to debate.
And some may not have a taste for that.
To leave just as pleased.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: Choose The Things in Your Life
0 choose your friend who must be good as you;
And choose your spouse better than you; make sure;
And choose the one best as your Teacher too;
And choose ambitions that suit your nature.
0 choose the profession thats truly best;
And choose the hobbies that ne'er interfere;
And choose your Time to begin work, take rest;
And choose your enemies, you surely fear.
0 choose your food that gives extended health;
And choose your garments -comfortable wear;
And choose the honest way to added wealth;
And choose the burden right, body can bear.
0 choose the people who deserve help most;
And choose good principles, yet never boast.
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Naked
So you want me to take it off
Just to see whats
Underneath my cloth
Ill show you Im every
Inch a man
Measure all that you
Think you can
Im more than what
Meets the eye
Flesh n blood is
Often a white lie
By the cover you misjudge
The book
Open your mind and take
Another look
Naked, and Im unashamed
Naked, with no one to blame
Naked, ya you want the truth
Naked, heres my birthday suit
Naked, naked, naked, naked
I pretend to be not anyone
Except me and my imperfections
There is nothing i
Expect of you
That you wouldnt
Expect of me, too
Chorus
Will you excuse me for my ignorance
cause I can see only one
Difference
Those of you who seek to find
While all the others choose
To walk n talk blind
song performed by by Extreme
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Ignoring A Bad Element
you go for the
good things
not really that
these good things make
you wholesome but
you only exercise your
right to choose
and then one day
this bad element
pops up and you
do not really like
it but you choose
the good element
as you once said
you choose not
to hurt you choose
the best course
greet her hello
do not say goodbye
just pretend that
you are there
that she is there
but inside you
you think about
someone else
the better one
oh, maybe not
the best, but
she is better
than nothing
you don't get rid
of things or people
you embrace them
but then
ignorance sometimes
is cooler than cool.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!