Effects Of A Vacancy Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

To argue what racism is or is not.
Still remains in the minds,
Of those who find themselves...
Wanting to feel a reason to justify,
The unhappiness felt deep inside.
And one's color of skin is the tool they use.
No one confident with an identity possessed.
Is rarely self obsessed to compare themselves,
With others.
Unless they were taught beliefs of inferiority.
With this to label upon,
Those different than an image one reflects.
To accept as being better.
If born with a lesser hue.

Racism has always been a divisive opportunity.
For those to isolate their insecurities felt.
With a wanting to express a need to conquer.
And rise above others chosen to demean.
With a doing to prove who can be victimized.
While denying self destruction,
And mental struggles they face.
Has really nothing to do with race.
But an absence of purpose.
That things to acquire can not replace.
And its racism that is used.
That helps them to escape,
From feeling effects of a vacancy.
Eventually to end in their own existence.