Complete Turnaround Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Doesn't it become increasingly easier,
To berate instead of participate...
In correcting that which has taken place,
In a devastated society.

Doesn't it become such a relief to criticize,
And despise from the sidelines...
With an agenda to deface those of purpose and dignity.
While provoking others with sensibilities,
Similar to those we keep.
To sit and pass judgements...
And do nothing else,
But to attack others when and where we so please.
And do this as if a deed.
Even unconsciously as we sleep.
As if directed.

Doesn't it become increasingly easier,
To identify folks like these?

'Yeah it does,
'Cause I aint nuthin' like that! '

Doesn't it become a fact of life,
To have some people portrayed...
As lazy, shiftless fools?

'Huh?
Whatchu sayin'? '

Doesn't it seem those that do this to others,
Appear insecure with something to prove?

'Don't get too deep with me,
Okay?
Please don't do that.'

If you and I were better than others...
Would we need to announce this continually?
And do that with attitude?
On a daily basis?

Would we need to remind others around us...
Who is depicted as a 'minority'?
And who deserves to steal and cheat...
Deceiving those 'we' perceive WE can defeat!
Because 'We' declare ourselves the majority.
Taking and receiving desrespectfully,
And selfishly.

'You stay alone a lot, huh? '

And what is that suppose to mean?

'It's just noticeable.
My cousin use to be a writer too.
Then something happened to him in prison.
And overnight it seems he got into the ministry! .'

We all need not to undergo severe pain,
Or suffer undo sacrifice to give up that which we enjoy.

'He enjoyed whatever happened to him in prison,
That's why he decided upon the ministry.'

So he did a complete turnaround?

From what I understand by what he tells me...
This was done several times.

'Several times? '

Yes...
Before he made up his mind,
To leave behind temptations.