Acknowledgement Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I am who I am!
Accepted.
I walk a path I understand.
I can not reject it!
Identity I have identified.
Those years in denial...
Have been long pushed aside.
I no longer beat myself up!
Emotions within me I do not hide.
I do not find excuses,
To seduce with alibis...
Reduced to tears I cry!

Diversity I welcome with glee.
This journey given to me is my destiny.
I get up each day feeling blessed as I pray.
Acknowledgement has me cemented.
Regardless of what may come my way...
Or what others may say,
They believe I should portray!
In pieces pulled to please each day.
Dissecting me,
To leave myself abandoned and betrayed.

I am the man I am.
Unafraid to display...
This 'gift' God has given,
Commanding as I obey!

I am who I am!
Comprehending without demands,
Or expecting acceptance.
With rejection wherever I stand!
I am not seeking clarification.
Or directions I anticipate!

I dedicate each step I take to purpose.
My motivation is to be me completely!
And all that I am is fulfilled!
There is no want or need I wish...
That God does not deliver!
I am here at His will and testament.
No other definition do I represent.

And my voice will not be silenced,
Before spoken words with content meant...
Reach to beseech those listening,
Are heard to compliment...
These times my mind now finds descending.

And this mission I observe that preserves my devotion,
Was not created to become aborted.
Nor distorted to be teased,
By the ease of temptation!
Although this hold on my strength,
Can be weakened.
But not at length.