Today And Not Yesterday Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It's not difficult to keep,
One or two steps ahead...
Of those refusing to leave,
The 1950's.
Or stopping to overhear conversations wishing,
Better education for undisciplined kids.
Showing less respect than their parents did.

It's not difficult to keep,
One's mind focused and motivated.
When there are people living in environments,
Dedicated to stagnation.
And refusing to admit a commitment to pettiness.
Or a lack of shown awareness,
That a negativity that exists they have permitted.

It's not difficult to keep on a path directed,
One has selected.
With a doing each day that isn't neglected.
Or live in a past others can't leave to last.
As long as one accepts not to expect,
What it is one does should not be spent...
In the seeking to waste time to convince anyone,
That 'today' and not yesterday is the NOW to live.