Daring To Be Exposed Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

It must be traumatic...
To realize both influence and status,
Has gradually passed on.

A turned up nose preferred by those of wealth,
And class
Means nothing to a generation more interested,
In one's nakedness, sex and how to obtain fast cash.
These are their real images.

Respect?
Aretha Franklin said it best.
'Find out what it means to me'.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
'Show me some T-L-C!
Tender loving care.
That is all that is needed there.
Anything else...
Is on its way to be tarnished.
With a staining that can not be restored.
Not after it has been purposely ignored.

It must be traumatic...
To realize both influence and status,
Has gradually passed on.

A turned up nose preferred by those of wealth,
And class...
Means nothing to a generation more interested,
In getting their needs met quick and slick.
With a fresh arriving tasty treat.
Whether 'Bi or 'str8' When first meeting on the streets!
And agreeing to feast on that piece of ass!

Upfront and in your face.
Regardless who hears this,
While crossing their paths.

And if that can not be handled in a way that is swift...
They are off to something else that is!
Such as STD's
HIV
AIDS...
And other designer diseases to live with!

Caring less they are reckless.
And daring to be exposed!

'Why do you wear so many clothes?
Show some skin!
Those imagination days,
Have long come to an end!
Live.
Let!
And be quickly buried.'