To Get Done And With Competence Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I don't intend to offend when I begin,
To write...
It just happens,
Within my scope of a life I define...
From my point of view.
And,
Hey...
This point of view is mine!
Today...
I am not selling congeniality.

Nor am I embittered with that kind of...
Mood swinging attitude,
Like some say I am since I do walk,
As if I've got swagger.
And not pulling myself,
Through a field of molasses.
You know...
Like the ones who humble themselves,
To be accepted while filling out a job application.
With their bowed heads and upturned eyes?
And their smile-on-cue demeanors.

I am respectful not a clown!
And I do not 'yes' my way through conversations.
If I have an opinion...
I might express it 'If' I am challenged,
To apply my experience and intelligence...
When communicating a seriousness left,
I wish to leave.

Although I have had my share of injustices.
Some blatant and some masked as if...
I am to understand my minority status,
As a declared human being.
And people who approach me that way,
Are left learning a few lessons.

'The world is a classroom.'
Whenever there is a need to be taught,
A few things about life.
Since I do enjoy delivering...
Some concepts of my own.

I don't often 'trip' like that!
And it does offend those who believe,
I should know my place!

And their place?
Not to get in my way...
If I am expected to perform a task,
To get done and with competence.
Which to 'them' and those like them...
Is another thing that offends.