Impressed By Those I Have Not Met Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Why should I continue to ignore myself,
To value the opinions of others?
I use to do that and I stayed depressed.
If it appears I am selfish and self centered,
Perhaps I am deserving of my selfishness.
Maybe I earned it!

Others will not admit my sacrifices.
And I don't wear my heart on my sleeve,
For anyone to know to the degree I've sacrificed.
Others have used other tricks and devices,
To maneuver themselves into the spotlight.
One that is believed I seek and need.

They want to take credit for the steps I made.
Those who make claims to know me and don't.
While making attempts to convince themselves,
And others like them...
I had nothing to do with something I've been doing,
All of my life.
And that is to write!

To do it to impress others,
I have never thought about doing.
But I will admit I am impressed by those I have not met,
Who express they can 'feel' me!
While those who make claims they know where I'm coming from,
Judge on my appearance and the way that I am dressed.
And yet have not a clue as to what it is I do,
To get what it is I do done to make a difference for someone.