Always In Conference Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I am honest.
Centered.
Respectful.
Feeling blessed...
And speak my mind.
Without fear of reprisals!
That haunt others,
From time to time!
Nor am I chased,
By lurking shadows...
I plant and place,
To face and rename my 'enemies'!
I know 'who' I am.
And I let that be known!
I have dignity and pride...
And I seek for my life,
An undenied quality!
For 'me' I know that's right.

I am often asked
What church I attend.
And when I say none...
People are often stunned.
And some become offended,
Beginning to quote scriptures
They have learned!
Making me realize immediately...
Just who in hell will burn!

They are closer to the devil,
Than I am.
I don't hear his ways being preached...
As hypocrites sit,
Or give praises on their feet!

And I wonder...
If I possess these qualities,
And they do not...
Since God and I,
Are always in conference!
Shouldn't I be the one,
Prepared to run...
From them,
Just as stunned?

Afterall,
My mind is not pre-occupied with temptations.
Nor am I absorbed with the 'values' of sin!
Or attend in a congregation with others,
Sharing pretentions that don't end!