Arrogance To Earn Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Is arrogance to earn and flaunt it,
More credible to accept.
Than one arrogant who has slept,
On silkened sheets.
From a crib to know wealth.
Looking down on those homeless.
To pick through garbage dumpsters.
Seeking anything to eat.

Has one who has earn an arrogance,
To know life lived on urban streets.
Sometimes going without sleep.
And walking to sit in a restaurant.
Looking at a menu for something tasteful.
But can not afford,
Anything on that menu cheap to eat.
Then gets up to leave,
From a seat to walk tall.
As others stare and wonder,
If where they patronize is not suitable.
Or if one so arrogant,
Disliked decor.
And the brocade inlaid,
Accentuating the imported wood carvings...
Adorning the marble walls.

"Sir?
Have you found our accomodations,
Okay?
Why are you leaving? "

-Well...
To be perfectly honest.
This place is beautiful.
In fact, so beautiful...
I have lost my appetite.-

Is an arrogance to earn it,
More or less pretentious.
Than those who are arrogant,
And familiar with being obnoxious.
With it to flaunt from experience.