Whether Conscious or Not
As long as others,
Were subjects of their poked jokes...
These agitating folks were satisfied to live,
Unapologetically.
Free of guilt!
And accountability!
Nor did they think deeply,
About the affects of wearing sheets with peepholes.
And whose state of mind these acts would upset.
They were mobs much like a cancerous glob.
Yearning to hang or burn...
Human beings they deemed,
From them had lessons to learn!
And today this same mindset,
Has not through time been addressed.
That same ignorance defends insecurities.
With absurdities blatant.
And masked to distract...
An attraction for mentioned bigotries!
Although their states are 'mapped'...
And appear united.
These folks are divided by their racist remarks!
Most of them say,
This is not their way today!
But a debating of their policies believed.
Those implemented,
And meant to stay!
But those of color know,
Too well their lives of limitation.
And who amongst them sit imprisoned.
By laws that intend,
To keep them suppressed.
With wings to obtain in an 'afterlife'...
So in 'this' life,
An obedience from them is expected!
And then there are those skilled to speak,
From both sides of their mouths.
And 'this' from their institutions,
They are more than glad to teach!
Even from pulpits...
Their philosophies are outreached.
While delivering observations,
Uncommitted from atop high fences.
They are convinced verses spewed...
Are remembered sacred scriptures,
That should depict them as chosen victors!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Related quotes
Going, Going, Gone
Going, going, gone!
The pulchritude of those who believe,
They were born to lead.
And have been blessed...
With superior intelligence.
Going, going, gone...
Is that mindset!
Going, going, gone!
Stereotyping others,
With the depiction of them being lazy,
Shiftless and ignorant.
This pendulum has already swung.
Reality for many has clearly begun.
Going, going, gone!
Thoughtlessness.
Too much of it existing has not been addressed.
Out of necessity a 'thoughtfulness' to protect the shores.
There seems to be an acknowledgement today...
Of what is not 'mine' exclusively,
But also 'ours' and also 'yours'.
Going, going, gone!
Ethnic jokes and the fools who tell them.
There is nothing funny about watching 'certain' people,
Making fun of the plight of others...
As their druthers has humanity,
Sitting at the brink of disaster.
Because they believe they have been the chosen ones.
There is nothing laughable in the observation,
As to what 'these' people have done!
And going, going, gone...
Are their beliefs with philosophies.
And their blatant madness.
Perhaps they are wizards of delusion.
However...
They have not proven they have been,
Masters of Ecology nor will ever be!
That's for sure.
With an arrogance to destroy 'my' planet?
I don't think so!
Some folks like that will just have to go.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Rush
He doesn't see himself a nuisance.
One with lips to hush.
Like many folks he represents,
His rush to judgement...
Is so out of touch.
A drug abuser and self destructive.
With an ability to divide and seperate.
He incorporates racist remarks in public.
With a marketing that suits his listeners.
And crushes those he hates in debates.
This to him is fulfilling.
His rants and rages upstage.
Like a child he is behind a microphone.
Yet has no concern about the noise heard made.
But those he offends have grown tired of him.
And seek to have him silenced.
Even the ones who support his nonsense,
Wish to stop his taste...
For agitating racist violence.
And this he does too well.
With a venom spewed,
That is straight from hell!
Like others with a lust,
Who rush to publicly judge.
'He does it for the fame! '
To victimize others without signs of shame?
Just to make a name to claim?
Times have changed!
Winners today,
Have no need to play those outdated games.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Folks Are Just Folks!
black folks just like white folks,
gotta eat, sleep, need somewhere
to stay, need a job...
just want to be treated like people,
equal in every way....
and my Hispanic neighbors,
hard working, working together,
(we could learn from that!)
taking care of families...
human beings with human needs,
just like us....
Asians, Native Americans...
all just the same....
all of us just people....
want to be treated that way!
folks are just folks!
poem by Eric Cockrell

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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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It Is Best to Leave This Mindset Alone
There will always be those,
Who attempt to match wits...
With those who comprehend
The advantages of understanding.
Some folks live within a box regarded as safe.
And from inside a point of view of outside events...
They choose to argue their findings,
Condensed...
From a state of mind that is comfortable,
But for those who have discovered 'reality'...
They know this makes no sense.
And to produce beneficial chit chat,
Does not induce a growth of thought.
When a sharing is lost with one who's mind is stuck...
Deluded in visions found too comfortable.
And eventually these folks others must give up!
A process attached to learning,
For some is a worthless yearning.
And for them a progress is created from isolation.
Where ignorance is encouraged to thrive and manifest.
It is best to leave this mindset,
Alone!
They perceive time sits to wait for them,
To be condoned!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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To Get Done And With Competence
I don't intend to offend when I begin,
To write...
It just happens,
Within my scope of a life I define...
From my point of view.
And,
Hey...
This point of view is mine!
Today...
I am not selling congeniality.
Nor am I embittered with that kind of...
Mood swinging attitude,
Like some say I am since I do walk,
As if I've got swagger.
And not pulling myself,
Through a field of molasses.
You know...
Like the ones who humble themselves,
To be accepted while filling out a job application.
With their bowed heads and upturned eyes?
And their smile-on-cue demeanors.
I am respectful not a clown!
And I do not 'yes' my way through conversations.
If I have an opinion...
I might express it 'If' I am challenged,
To apply my experience and intelligence...
When communicating a seriousness left,
I wish to leave.
Although I have had my share of injustices.
Some blatant and some masked as if...
I am to understand my minority status,
As a declared human being.
And people who approach me that way,
Are left learning a few lessons.
'The world is a classroom.'
Whenever there is a need to be taught,
A few things about life.
Since I do enjoy delivering...
Some concepts of my own.
I don't often 'trip' like that!
And it does offend those who believe,
I should know my place!
And their place?
Not to get in my way...
If I am expected to perform a task,
To get done and with competence.
Which to 'them' and those like them...
Is another thing that offends.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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It Has To Be Witnessed To Be Believed
There are those who choose to represent,
The best subservience that can be found around.
This is more noticeable in smaller towns...
Where people live with big city dreams.
And their minds have been conditioned,
To not achieve anything more than medocrity.
And expect even less from those chosen.
To show their blatant disrespect with flagrance.
It has to be witnessed to believed.
And when one speaks of the effects,
Of this atrociousness...
One becomes despised as if a tradition exposed,
Has been severely compromised.
Like the keeping of an unflushed toilet as a symbol,
Of achievement.
It has to be witnessed to be believed.
And walls are built to surround this filth,
To hide and keep those lies alive in the bowels...
Of these 'communities' unseen,
In the midst of manicured surfaces.
To allow the nourishment of maggots to come and go,
As they damn well please.
It has to be witnessed to be believed...
That such unconsciousness perceives,
This activity achieves a certain purpose.
'And what is that purpose? '
A control over a divine and global ignorance.
To keep those enriched with their wickedness.
With a show of total disregard for the Creator!
Agitating...
A massive appearance of Super Intelligent Beings
To descend!
Saving this planet from complete destruction,
By such mindless fools.
It has to be witnessed to be believed.
And the outcome will not be prolonged in debates.
To allow incompetent jovial jestures to compensate,
For one's lack of a conscious comprehension.
These 'folks' are above and beyond those plateaus!
It has to be witnessed to be believed.
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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Depict This Different
Depict this different,
From the others sent.
This one has meaning.
With some evidence in it.
Depict this different.
Pick off the lint.
Wrap this around your mind,
Feel the warmth in it meant.
Depict this different,
From the others sent.
This one has meaning.
With some evidence in it.
Thaw the cold you hold in your heart.
Depict this different.
And don't let a freezing,
In you start.
Depict it!
Rub and cuddle up.
Depict it.
With purpose and a reason.
Appreciate each season,
With a new breath to breathe.
Depict this different,
From the others sent.
This one has meaning.
With some evidence in it.
Depict this different.
You can depict this different.
Depict this different.
You can depict this different.
Rub and cuddle up.
Depict it.
Pleased as a breeze.
Depict it.
Give your troubles up.
Depict it.
And be free.
Depict it.
Don't give them any hints,
Your mind's at ease.
Depict this different,
From the others sent.
This one has meaning.
With some evidence in it.
Depict this different.
Pick off the lint.
Wrap this around your mind,
Feel the warmth in it meant.
Depict this different.
You can depict this different.
Depict this different.
You can depict this different.
You can depict this different.
You can depict this different.
You can depict this different.
Depict this different.
Feel free.
To depict this different.
Feel free.
Depict this different.
Feel free.
To depict this different.
Feel free.
Depict this different!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Racism Today
The racist cloaks his loathing thoughts
behind deceiving eyes
Those men who once wore hoods and robes
Today wear shirts and ties
Their methods changed but yet and still,
Their mission is the same
Today they lynch with politics,
the racist's favorite game
Divide and conquer is their plan
to keep minorities
From seeing that the forest lies
just shortly past the trees
Racism lurks within the press,
courthouses, banks and schools
Black folks convinced that all is well
have certainly been fooled
A racist underground exists,
a chilling fact indeed
They seek to kill, steal and destroy,
We can't let them succeed
poem by Steven Taylor

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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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State Of Our Souls
The state of my soul
is my problem
the state of your soul
is your problem
why judge in states
of isolated imperfection
the states of our souls
are individual journeys
life holds your challenge lessons
to teach your imperfect soul
life holds my demanding lessons
to teach philosophical lessons universal
imperfection is price of entrance
into this world of testing sorrows
imperfection is imbalance of disharmony
allowing hardships to teach lessons
no soul can learn refining lessons
in a garden of happiness
no soul can endure perfect creation
until emotive dross is burned purity
poem by Terence George Craddock

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Acts of Treason
When the applause leechers speak,
One relies and upholds a redundancy spoken...
While the other defies covered up lies.
And chooses to leave behind mindless speeches...
Repeating how a quality of life,
Is not depleting in a blight...
Churning in a spiral within one's sight!
And heading down the tubes...
Quicker than those excited,
Riding towards the end of a waterslide
That delights!
And obvious are real issues distracted,
By the color of one's skin.
These divisions of race...
For some seem never to end.
As dreams and visions once valued...
Are kept masked by archaic remarks.
Heated to inflame the sparking of debate.
An issue for some that satiates their hunger.
One keeps harping on the lack of experience of the other.
While major changes are clearly needed.
Before it's too late.
What comes that affects everyone,
Has little or nothing to do with one's race.
One tries to hide a greed that has depleted...
With a deceit that has succeeded.
The other defends an honesty.
And represents those feeling betrayed.
Those now facing,
Overwhelming disgrace.
That can not replace their thoughts...
That have brought upon them,
Masked acts of treason!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Let me be this way….
Let me live my life today,
For tomorrow I cannot say.
I may not know what I know today.
Let me live my life today
moment by moment until
today becomes yesterday.
Let me live my life today.
Let me not ponder beyond what I
Do not know,
Let me be satisfied today here
in what I think I know.
The fear of exploring the unknown
Is the reason men never go beyond love and eternity.
So I pray to you today
Let me forever be this way and
Learn to live in what exists today.
let me live my life this way.
poem by Bhawana Bhowmik

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From Ludia To Ethiopia
What we laern today, we teach others tomorrow;
But when we die we keep quiet.
What we witness today, we express it to others as well;
But if not, we will keep silence.
Life is like a trip from Ludia to Ethiopia!
And there is a day to be born and a day to be schooled;
After which one acquire certificates during the length of time.
What we learnt yesterday are the ones we teach to others today,
But when we die we keep quiet;
And it is all about life for us to learn daily.
Life started with the trees in the Garden of Eden,
But these were laws for us to learn and to become perfect;
And today, it is better to give than to receive.
poem by Edward Kofi Louis

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Say Manure! That Will Stick!
They are killing the police,
Over dog urinations.
That is the latest commentary,
To depict a nation...
Fed on fantasy and degradation.
But of course this influence,
Has had its beginnings dipped...
In a lack of strict discipline.
When it was believed that sparing the rod,
Would not produce thoughtless and reckless
Children who grew...
To be caring women and men!
Who knew?
Did you?
Folks worship their pets,
First,
Then God next.
Scurring off to grooming shows...
Spending tons of money,
Just to see an animal strike a human pose.
To get a ribbon or a trophy bestowed.
To say today folks are sick,
With priorities of nonsense...
At the top of their list.
Doesn't need the brilliance of a poet,
To sit and write about it.
Although it aids the creative mind with a 'lift'!
This madness is all over the place.
And one does not need to rely on brilliance...
To unmistakably know this,
This...
I'm seeking the right word!
'Say manure!
That will stick! '
I think you're right!
And one does not need to rely on brilliance...
To unmistakably know,
This 'manure' exists!
With a stench that pollutes a senselessness,
That affects with a seriousness every continent.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Encouraged to Discredit
They believed by discrediting,
Some folks...
That would put them in their places.
And those folks would feel disgraced.
But little did the doers of evil know...
The ones they were 'encouraged' to discredit,
Were responsible players behind the scenes...
Who made it easier for them to obtain certain means.
But ignorance,
As seen...
Has always dominated,
As a successful marketing process.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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If You Want to Keep Your Peace Secured
I've been in one spot for twenty one years.
Mended from several heartbreaks.
And dried my own tears.
I know I've lost my mind...
At least a few times or more.
And the few people I knew had little to say.
Or bothered to knock on my opened door.
And today! TODAY...I get visitors.
Who claim to be my friends.
But I also know this much too well...
Folks only come around,
When they are near a dead end...
With no money to spend!
So I sat listening to 'them' ask...
'How have you been? '
And when I said I was doing great...
I was given from them big fake grins!
And I offered to them my hand and said...
'I'm so glad ya'll came by!
I need a loaf of bread.'
They quickly got up and left!
And that is how I have managed,
To keep my peace of mind.
Especially in a place...
Like this hometown of mine!
I can't wait for that fresh gossip,
To go around a few times!
And...
If you,
Any of you
Want to keep your peace secured...
Tell folks you ain't got a dime!
That will do it!
Unless...
You just happen to be cooking,
Collard greens with fried chicken wings.
Potato salad and yams,
WITH ice tea?
Unexpectedly?
You 'then' have folks,
You can't get rid of fast enough!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

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Butterfly, The Creature of Change and Survival
I grow,
I struggle,
I am not nurtured,
Nor cared for,
I learn the harsh lessons,
Of Life,
Alone.
Then,
Satisfied in my growth,
Having learnt my lessons,
I gain maturity,
I am ready,
For change.
I build walls,
Around myself,
To protect,
This change,
For change I must.
I hang,
Waiting patiently,
Change must occur,
For what else is left?
I push now,
I am impatient,
I have waited,
Long enough,
It is time.
I’ll show this world,
That I can survive.
One side of me,
Is exposed to the world,
Then another,
Slowly at first,
For I do not wish to shock,
Only to dazzle.
Released am I,
Free,
Free to show myself,
In all my glory,
In all my splendor.
For I have changed,
I am now,
Who I’m meant to be,
I am finally me.
So, fear not change,
It comes naturally,
Be brave,
Learn well,
And when,
The time comes,
Be free.
poem by Aisha Sherazi

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Time
Ain't the snow fallin' just a bit deeper these days
Aren't they building the stairs a bit steeper these days
And the town's really changin' in so many ways time time time
The young folks they're growin' exceptionally tall
And the newspaper print it's becomin' quite small
And folks speak so softly you can hardly hear at all time time time
The jokes don't seem as witty as the old jokes once were
And the girls are half as pretty as I remember her
And today you know in the park a young man called me sir time time time
Yeah I'm not quite as anxious for fame or success
And my eye finds the girl in the plain quiet dress
And I cling a bit longer to each warm caress time time time
So I breathe a bit heavy when I climb a hill
What of it my life now is really much more fulfilled
But they're tearin' down the building that I watched them build
Time time time time time time
poem by Sheldon Allan Silverstein

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