Interpretive Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I don't want to discourage you from performing,
But...
Any other year and long before today's times began,
Your interpretive dance depicting the Ten Commandments...
Would have brought tears to my eyes and had me on my knees.
No joke.
But...
Look around you.
These churches you see,
Are increasingly producing some unbelievable, incredible stuff.

I have heard during quiet moments of prayer,
Ministers discuss their infidelities.
And to have their lovers called out to acknowledge themselves,
To then to have it witnessed from spouses standing up...
With tears dripping a full box of tissue couldn't dry,
To say what has been done is God's Will.

I don't want to discourage you from performing,
But...
Any other year and long before today's times began,
Your interpretive dance depicting the Ten Commandments...
Would have brought tears to my eyes and had me on my knees.
No joke.
But...
Look around you.

Now...
If you are really serious about your beliefs,
With such restriction to a devoted faith...
I suggest this:
Drop the tablets.
Remove the jewelry.
Take off all of your clothes.
Go to the nearest neighborhood,
While grown men and women are fighting.
Cheered on my other neighbors and their children.
Then...
Do your interpretive dance.
If you should get any attention that's the only way today,
You are going to get it.

I would recommend you stop rehearsing your interpretive dance,
For the purpose to audition your act for the church...
Do everything I had suggested.
But wear a fig leaf as you sing, 'Aint No Mountain High Enough'.
If you don't do that,
You will not be remembered for your delivered message.
And what is going on inside...
Any minister who has expertise,
Will know how to keep his congregation spellbound.

I think what you're doing is great!
However...
You are going to have to update your presentation...a lot!
I would even pack a few codpieces if I were you.
You've got to 'thrill' these folks back to accept reality.
With a taking what you do to a whole new level!