It Isn'T Melting Is It? Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I don't try to hide who I am...
Because some say I must!
To secure employment?
Surrounded by those
Who hold onto a certain distrust!
I'm not here trying to disguise
An identity I pride!
I am black!
Damnit!
And that's a fact!
With an aware acceptance
That I truly pride!

Those who are not like me...
Try all their lives to defend.
A connection they have,
With the color of their skin!
That IS them!
That is NOT me!

I am proud of who I am.
I don't walk around insecure...
Because I'm not greeted with smiles
Or grins!
I am very comfortable to announce too,
If those conversations begin!
But many today are casting that nonsense away!
By getting things done...
And letting that petty BS end!
It's ignorant when that comes from someone!

Oh...
Yes! To answer your question.
I will still have a slice of the German Chocolate Cake,
With the vanilla icecream topping!
It isn't melting is it?

'No sir, it is not!
And we all appreciate
Your assessment of race relations!
However some of the people in your party,
Are looking a little annoyed.
And I don't think it's the roast beef on the buffét.
We do have others to serve in line, sir! '

And I'm not aware of that! ?
I just wanted to make a 'few' observations!
No need for a display of testiness!