Instigated To Intimidate Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I've been convinced to give up,
And turn myself in.
Immediately I want to be,
Arrested and confined.
Sentenced to spend,
Sitting in a prison cell.
Hoping these urges I have,
Give me more patience...
To tolerate.
Until within me they end.

'Whoa! Hold on, buddy.
What crime or crimes,
Do you admit to have committed?
Go ahead.
Take a seat. I'm listening.'

It began many years ago.
When I insisted to be, Respected.
I then sought a weapon.
One I kept with me concealed.

Go ahead. What caliber?
45? Or something more dramatic?
A derringer? Or...
Or was it automatic? '

I kept prepared.
It was quick.
And for me?
I preferred it automatic.

'Where is the weapon now?
Do you have it?
Is it concealed? '

Yes.

'Give it to me later.
I'll need it to submit,
As proof of evidence.
Continue.
What happened, next? '

Often I found myself hiding,
In darkened shadows to mug...
The unsuspecting.
To confront their street ignorance.
I would use my kept identity.
With a never neglected,
Heritage or fear to produce...
My honor to dignify.
And surprise to not deny it,
Flaunted.

'And, the victim?
Or...victims.
Where can they be found?
Where did you leave them?
And please. No tears.
What you're confessing to...
Is extremely serious.'

AND I AM THE ONE,
WHO PROTESTED AGAINST..
THEIR DISPARITIES.
AND INDIFFERENCES TO THEM SHOWN.
I AM THE ONE...
WHO FACED RACIST AND THEIR MISDEEDS!

'Calm down.
Guys? He's here.
The one we've had for decades,
On our top ten most wanted list.
I have a confession to his crimes.
He has given up.
He's grown tired of it.

But why? Why now? '

I became outnumbered.
All this time I didn't realize...
My efforts to endeavor,
Were totally misunderstood.
And left misinterpreted,
By those seeking to remain...
Obligated to stay suppressed.
Nor could I accept in my mind,
Some were unifying...
To cement their relationships,
With those who oppressed.
And that's why I seek and request,
To be arrested.

'You need no further,
To explain to me.
We, the police...
See folks like you agonized,
Daily.
And you believed,
We purposely instigated.
To intimidate.'

Well...
Yes. And, no!
I just want to be locked up.
And away from a world.
Safe.
To know my sanity,
No longer threatens.