Depicted As A Racist

I've been depicted as a racist.
AND...
After finding that humorous,
I had to give this serious thought.

Do I have the power,
To create hunger and homelessness?
Have I ever been given the power,
To decide whom to fire or hire?
When was the last time I outsourced a job?
Or downsized anyone?
To prevent a salary earned.
How many companies did I move overseas,
For the purpose to feed my own greed?
Who implemented divisions of hatred...
To kill and maim those they despise?
I find that checklist is not on my side.

Have I been like that?
And from whose eyes?

I can dislike what I see.
And from observation...
Describe it appropriately.
But to participate in scenes with values like that?
Has never been a part of my ancestry!
that's a fact.

And 'if' these truths mention offend...
Perhaps the time has come to openly discuss them.
But I do not believe insecurities,
Will be faced to allow those who have them hidden...
To free themselves in open discussion.

Some 'try',
But accountability is difficult to transfer.
And my patience...
Wears thin from those who eagerly toss their accusations.
These days come to peel away deceptions to reveal truths.
And chaos, conflicts and a diminished quality of life...
With the successful marketing of decadence,
Are realities I have had no power to promote.

However...
I have witnessed the suffering done,
By those who have become victimized by the implementation.

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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