Determination And Motivating Inspiration Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Where do 'I' get,
My inspiration.
Motivation and determination?
And incentive to find it.
With this done to keep me reminded,
In these conflicting, divisive times?
Hmmm...
It could be,
Without the obvious to mention.
My love for challenges and competition.
And negativity and those obstacles,
I have always had to test my faith.
Or then again it just may be,
Not comprehending to understand...
Why others accept and believe,
They are restricted to limits.
And I have never seen them.

"So...
Your being a black man,
Does not give you pause.
Or cause you to re-act to that at all? "

Well...
I will and do admit,
Everytime I am reminded of it.
Someone else will often say,
My being who I am...
Makes it easier for me,
As an advantage...
To accept disrespect.
Lies to hear and believe them told.
And names I am called,
Wherever I go.
To stop and prevent what inspires me.

"Oh?
So,
What is it that inspires you?
I mean...
What is it that makes you feel,
You have to prove 'something'...
To somebody."

Like who?

"You know,
Them, they and the others."

Them, they and the others?
Yeah.
I have not yet met them.
To know who they are.
Or the others either.
But can you tell me this...
What motivates their ambitions?
With incentive that provides to give,
Inspiration.

"I have no idea."

I see.
They must not be black.

"Why do you say that?

Too obvious is your question.
To give me 'pause'.
And cause me to answer.
Or re-act at all to it.