Send Them A 'selfie' Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Dahddy?

'Was is this with that 'dahddy' business? '

Those horrible naysayers appear again.
They are ruining the glistening,
On the polished gate.
Our way of life is being threatened.

'Oh rubbish. That's nonsense.
They are only venting,
Because of comments I made.'

Were they regarded as despicable?
Irreverent?
Disgusting and offensive?
Although honest and direct?

'Of course.
They will continue to annoy,
Until I promise to record my meanderings...
To deliver with a 'selfie' of me,
Posing as if I suffer from moments of regret.'

Pretend it then.

'I shant. I can't. I mustn't.
You know how I feel about pretense...
It's so...
Well,
Pretentious.
And such a shallow interpretation of life.
I will not have it.
Unless it is with my favorite tea.'

But 'Dahddy'...
I thought you said we should aspire to be shallow?
Hollow and vain?

'I most certainly did not mean for that to be intended.
However...
I did elude,
That in public and public only...
Pretention is our best policy.
Especially in gatherings,
Where the making of impressions succeeds.'

But...
Dahddy,
We live in the 'hood?

'Even in the 'hood,
There are days when we are not slaves to the rhythm.
Swagger to the gate and say, 'Hey! Wassup? '
Wear something revealing.
Use your gifts like that other 'babe'...
Whats-her-face.
The one with nothing but 'butt' for talent.

You mean, Kim?
Oh no. No to the no-no.
I can't do that.
That will really enrage the people.
They are engaged to what she has 'behind'.
They will think of that as being blasphemous.
They are only offended by what is said.
And apparently you have said too much.
And besides,
Dahddy...
These are times of decadence.
Send them a 'selfie' and lie.
No one will suspect,
Your pretentiousness is just a charade.

'Why should I be perceived,
As the one vain and vulgar? '

Dahddy...
Today?
Everyone is vain and vulgar.

'I know.
I remember the days when masquerading it,
Was so dear to me and precious.'