Mouths Are Opened Wider Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Undermining to underestimate,
The abilities and skills...
Of those living within the vicinity,
And 'in' communities...
To know the disparities and needs.
This should stop those still left,
With any common sense...
To open their eyes and minds wider,
Done to do to scope and take notice.
As to whom or who,
In their environments...
Uses their time socializing,
To promote what it is they do.
While disparaging comments are made,
From those heard criticizing...
The abilities and contributions,
Made by their 'own' kind to despise.

To then be among the first,
Heard to suggest...
A unified effort to protest against,
A noticeable downslide...
In their way of life has commenced.
And to prevent a nosedive,
Will take everyone qualified...
To step forward together and do this!

However...
First they demand and want to know,
Why their questions asked...
Seem to have gone unprioritized.
And yet...
Still their mouths are opened wider,
Than their minds, eyes and ears.
With no giving of respect to listen.
Or attention anyone expects,
For them to begin to comprehend.
As to who had welcomed...
The beginnings of their own dilemmas.

'Uh...excuse you!
Yes, you.
I heard you say something,
About dilemmas we wished.
Why is it you be over there,
All up in whispers.
When we be over 'here',
Awaiting for your response.
Hmmm?
I come from a long line,
Of notable lip readers.
We are well known and historical.'