Bad Influence Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The misfits depicted as nonconformists.
With others labelled mavericks and derelicts,
Unable to adjust to set values and standards...
To have them silenced and hushed.
And also to have been rumored,
To be a bad influence on the youth...
In days long past to have their lives trashed,
Are the same people today accused...
Of not showing empathy or legitimate concerns.

And...
This assessment may be right.

Who introduced the youth to crime and violence?
Whose acceptance of a normalcy,
Had been left uncontested to protect with protests?
And...
Where are the solutions to produce them,
To leave a lasting effect that removes mental defects?

'There you go!
Always making those negative comments.'

I apologize.
Would you prefer an icecream cone?
Or a machine to make your own cotton candy?

'Gee.
Why do you make these choices so difficult? '