Looking Back Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Looking back at attempts made,
By those thought to have been 'then' mavericks...
Yet unafraid of labels placed,
Upon their willingness to face consequences.
Or the obstacles of opposition,
Positioned to prevent and/or delay...
Any and all steps toward progress.
Today...
An effectiveness that could have been made,
Has faded.
To leave those 'mavericks' missing in action.

And the ones who collectively misunderstood,
What it takes to proceed to benefit from these deeds...
Are the very same people who have successfully,
Surrounded themselves with a fear that deceives...
To leave those comforted in conflicts to question,
Beliefs kept to worship although increaingly clear...
Are their own disappointments no one can rid,
From an atmosphere reeking of injustices of all kinds.
Just for kept purposes to adjust to new and fresh excuses.

Looking back at those attempts made,
By those thought 'then' to be mavericks, weirdos and freaks...
I wonder as I ponder with an audacity to 'think',
How close humanity would be if peace and love...
Were realities to live and not just envision.
I wonder as I ponder with an audacity to 'think',
If everyone believed they were deserving to receive...
Respect. Happiness. And a caring to share joy.
Or a quality of life not considered a weakness to defeat.

As I look back at what was 'then' facts of life,
With an inspiration to live in the way I would like...
Inspite of difficulities I knew I had to correct to make right,
I would spend less time...
Perceiving those mavericks 'then' were crazed.
And not realize I fantasize for those days to return again.
Since they seem so distant.
As if I had not been blessed to witness them.
Knowing if it had not been for the mavericks chased away...
A quality of life that has begun to fade would not be allowed.