2014 Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

People taught to think,
And with a doing that is accredited...
From some institution of merit,
Are congratulated on a yearly basis...
For their efforts to accomplish,
An ability to be programmed...
With an acceptance of comformity achieved.

However...
Times are rapidly changing. So fast...
It seems as though those with common sense,
And have expressed abilities to think independently...
Are less involved intentionally with a defective process,
That is increasingly acclaimed for achieving kept delusions intact.
As if in the doing of this will automatically bestow greatness,
Without discipline, respect, initiative or reality sustained.
Many will be lost with a finding themselves trapped.

'And...
On this test you are going to be required to use common sense.'

~Whoa...
Hold up here.
I was told this was a class on ethics?
Don't you think your request is unethical?
Common sense?
That wasn't a documented requirement.
Nor was it an elective to select.~

'A few months ago...
You might have had an argument.
However...
This is 2014!
And you will come to know,
How truth, common sense and ethics...
Have become strongly related.
This is a test. Not a questioning period.
You've got twenty minutes to either pass or fail.'