Half Mast Flags Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

What was,
Maybe the 'is' we celebrate.

But the 'now' we live,
Deserves much more attention...
Then we give it!

To decide that a time that leaves...
And greatly taken for granted,
In a quick reflected assessment.
Has less than an impact than it does.
Is a neglect.

Although in ceremonies we respect,
There is a praising of ourselves.
With impressive feelings aroused.
And conducted in a pomp...
We circumspect in a masking of opulence.

And consciously under appreciated,
Are those moments we share...
And currently breathe!
There is a disbelief...
Too commonly discussed.
With a purpose to achieve it.

Displeased about something,
That should pleasure.
But doesn't measure up,
To those high standards...
We have allowed to fall down.
Stays fixed around our daily movements.

And yet expect,
We do...
Those half mast flags to flow,
In honorable breezes that capture imaginations.
As we stand in devoted silence.
With donations of lust in our minds to deliver.