But? What About The Buts? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

People with high ambitions,
Yet low on strict discipline...
To submit completely to patience needed,
Are slow to acquire a tolerance that accepts...
Experiences of others,
They often relay by displaying disrespect.
With a public demeaning that shows neglect.

'Hmmm.
Continue.'

Most people await for impressions to be made.
And those with their high ambitions,
Believing initial hype they get...
Think a name to achieve automatically receives,
A flaunting to gloat their local success.

'Hmmm.
Is there more? '

Yes.
I did all I could in my own neighborhood,
To share my experiences and lessons learned.
Knowing I had been taught by the very best.

'Brilliant.
I love it.
What a thoughtful gesture.
I am so proud of your absence of ego.'

But...

'But? What about the buts?

The 'butts' are the people there.
Totally unaware how sustained success,
Is accomplished to achieved to remain that way.
They were not impressed by my appearance.

'What? That's asinine.
The chip on the shoulder kind of stupidity.
Your appearance?
What has that got to do with 'their' success?
Haven't I taught all my students,
It is the quality of knowledge 'and' humility...
That one must acquire immediately,
Before appreciating any success one gets.
Explain.'

Well...
Your Highness.
II tried my very best to get that message across.
And I 'almost' lost my dignity.

'I see your eyebrow is still raised.
I trust you didn't cuss?
Or allow yourself to use 'm-f' words.'

NO! I'm not going to stoop that low.

'That's a relief.
It takes some people a long time,
To comprehend the message.
Here.
This assignment is much easier.
One would believe,
A doing of good deeds in their own neighborhood,
Would at least leave 'someone'...
Comprehending the content of the message.
Without offending the messenger.'

What is my next assignment?

'I want you to enjoy and appreciate your life.
Despite who might get offended by it.'