Of Leeching Creatures Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Long before the appearance,
Of leeching creatures...
Deciding to hide unknown in shadows.
There were those I remember,
Brave and fearless...
Who left blood on doorsteps,
Just to find anyone to accept...
Their sweat and belabored efforts.

And it was not easy to be abused,
By those who refused them.
Based upon looks and their confident dispositions.
Yet the ones in positions to select and choose,
Rejected those who projected an identity...
With self respect.
And it was suspected by others,
They were bad examples no one should reflect.

Today there are those who have not encountered,
The slamming and locking of doors 'before' knocking.
Yet perceive they can pass judgments,
On the ones they deem not to be qualified.
Or themselves could not live lives being suppressed,
While trying with attempts to just survive.
And because they have gained entry,
Without benefit of sweat and/or labored efforts...
They pronounce themselves as pioneers and innovators.

But the only thing they do bring is a premeditated ability,
To be superficial and pretentious.
And capable to slide on coat-tails...
Of the ones who did carve paths,
Leeching creatures could not imagine or will ever see...
Carved paths unpaved and not yet established,
To allow their feeding to leech ungratefully.
Although successfully many today accept.
Or will they ever feel a need to mention,
A previous authenticity with a giving of a deserving credance.