Interrogation Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

'I would now like to take,
This opportunity...
To thank you.
For your tolerance.
And undenied kept patience.
But...
How is it,
That you find the strength,
To continue to put yourself...
Through such an exhausting,
And repeated interrogation? '

Expectation.

'Expectation?
Can you elaborate on that.
With specifics.
That are detailed.'

Sure. Of course.
But details?
No time do either of us,
Have for that.
Although I will say this..
Not yet have I witnessed.
Observed.
Or have it heard hear to say,
How anyone Caucasian feels...
About being instrumental.
Perhaps not directly.
In participating,
Like their ancestors.
In creating to cause,
Injustices.
Disparities.
Division, conflicts inflicted.
And racism allowed to exist.
With it done to permit.
To deny it.
Have you?

'I...uh...I...
I am not the one,
Being interviewed.
Or quite understand,
Your question.
Was that a question?
Or statement? '

Interview?
I see.
Is that what you call it?
It felt more like,
An interrogation.
However...
I must say,
I am impressed.
Not at all did I feel,
Your updated tactics...
Had been left believing,
I still remain...
Among the oppressed.
And disadvantaged minority!

'Well...
I am not a 'liberal'.
To instigate your thoughts.
To keep you reminded of that.'

And that is what I find,
Most fascinating.

'Fascinating?
Why fascinating? '

Those who are 'conservative',
Are quick to mention...
How diversity,
Is the cause and reason...
THEIR quality of life,
Is being ruined.
By too much of it.
They seem to find,
Everywhere to identify...
Its effectiveness.
And here you are,
Doing your very best...
To suppress it,
From it shown.
Going undetected.
That entitlement given,
People like me...
Can not afford to entertain.

'Is that a compliment?
Should I be flattered? '

Either way,
I am going to recommend...
You get a raise.
For achieving that ability.
I can not believe,
How this skill you have...
Has impressed me.
You?
Are in the wrong profession.
You should teach.

'Teach? '

You and me...together! ?
Can become successful.
Beyond your wildest dreams!