Slime Crawlers Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Obsessed with correctness,
And images sublime to define themselves.
Yet their quality of life is beset by decadence.
Although they would prefer to be discreet...
Any secrets revealed are quickly thrown to the streets.
And received well by the gossipers!
Embellishing what they hear...
As if given sweetened treats.

'Ssshhh...
Come here.
You will not believe what I heard...'

While those obsessed with correctness...
Are known to deliver their pretensions,
Complete with a squeaky clean image...
And intellectually delivered speech.

Some are teachers.
Politicians.
Lawyers, doctors, preachers...
Close family members, acquaintances
Associates and close friends.

But often those obsessed with correctness...
Are the first to beg forgiveness,
From hidden sins they've enjoyed...
Once they have been detected!
However...
Not voluntarily professed,
Of course!

These slime crawlers,
Prefer to masquerade their temptations.
Afraid to expose their attraction for gutters...
And low life visited,
With agendas that are uniquely scheduled.
When not tampered or caught off guard.

Eventually to reform with authored books...
Explanations, talk show appearances.
And God's mercy for years spent,
In selfish deception.