Naïveté Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I can understand why some people are perceived as naïve.
I once believed everything I was told.
Never thinking anyone would have something up their sleeve.
Or be as cold,
To make attempts to deceive.
Or be as bold.
But did if they could!
Making me distrust...
When as a child as I grew up,
In my neighborhood.
Trying to be 'good' with a lingering innocence.
But feeling duped and stupid.
With a naked sense of vulnerability.
And doing my best...
To keep that and my curiosity protected.

I was an unusual child!

And those were the rough years.
When people said anything to impressionable kids!
And I did my best to try to tell the difference.
I tried to keep my awareness hidden...
By the silly things I often did.

Those times today...
Don't seem that far away.
And still there are people who dupe others.
Either to get under someone's sheets...
Or lie sweetly to get something wished as a treat!
And not being discreet about these transgressions at all!
Playing on the minds of those known to show kindness.
And caring less how they get what they get when they get it!

But in the end...
Their failures come to light!
Becoming the ones stunned...
When their lives come crashing to a fall!
Becoming the ones proving they too can look dumb!
And reacting with naïveté...
When they are the ones passed,
By others observing them as they crawl!

It just appears as something natural that they do!
Who knew...
They just enjoyed the screwing done?
And not getting it in return too?

'Do unto others,
As you would have them do unto you.'
Isn't that 'old' saying said yesterday...
As good today and just as true?
But I must admit,
They do look out of place.
Looking pitiful as they do the 'boo hoo'.