Justifiably Applied Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

What is greatness to achieve.
And to what is it compared?
With it done to comply...
A confirmation that satisfies,
Its identity.

There are those known,
To have endured living...
Most of their lives,
Struggling against the effects
Of poverty.
To go unrecognized,
For their accomplishments.
Without notoriety.
Or this to be mentioned.

And there are those,
Who had become the 'first'...
To open doors for others.
Yet not a word is heard,
From those who follow...
Giving them respect.
Especially their steps,
Had not known resistance.
Or rejection to get.

What is greatness to achieve?

Since today few believe,
A path paved to walk upon...
Had not been created,
By someone facing obstacles.
Carving their way,
Through torment and grief.
And only left to leave it,
As proof as something done...
By that 'someone' successfully.

Today on that same paved path,
Some may decide,
Others on it talking...
Are not entitled or qualified.
To choose and pick,
Who to profile on it.
As if to please ancestors,
Who may or may not...
Grant their permission.

What is this...greatness?
With it done to scrutinize,
Anyone. And their legitimacy.
What is this...greatness?
Some perceive it theirs.
Exclusively!
With a lifetime membership.
And...
Who is it that determines,
How, where and when...
The bestowing of it,
To authorize and annoint...
Is justifiably applied.
With a dismissing of those,
Who should be ceremonalized...
Are discovered when profiled,
Do not have what it takes...
To fit the image,
Of what a greatness imitated...
Makes!
As justifiably applied.