Please Forgive Them For What They Do Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The one thing I have noticed,
About those who choose to stay subservient...
Is their love to be apologetic,
To those they 'assume' still...in whatever way...
Suppress and oppress them by a passing of judgement.
Although times have passed for many to have left them,
Not to revisit again.
But many with a limited consciousness,
Frequently do.

And...
Done whenever they 'believe' inappropriate actions,
By their own kind they find offensive...
When out and about during those social events.
To then hope to impress and convince 'themselves' especially,
That they are much different than those like them...
Who are obviously not as properly trained for such affairs.
And they begin to put on 'airs'.

'Oh my. Oh dear.
I too am appalled by their behavior and lack of social graces.
Please forgive them for what they do.
I assure you I am not like them at all. Oh my goodness...
Did you hear that? Such loud and disrespectful laughter.
Look. Look at what they are doing now. Chewing 'and' talking...
At the same time. I am so glad I am not like that.'

'Appalled?
And...
What is it that they do 'you' believe I should find offensive? '

~You know...
The entire package from head to toe.
Their apparent disdain for etiquette.
Their ignorance displayed AND in public view.
Oh...how utterly atrocious.
I am so glad I am not like that.~

'I see.
And so glad I am you brought that to my attention.
However...
It is 'they' and not 'you',
We have gathered here to honor...
For maintaining their honesty, identity and personality.
And remaining true to themselves inspite of all the B.S.
It is YOU that I find obnoxious and pretentious.'

~OH. Uh...excuse me,
I've spotted a few of my dearest friends.
Apparently they don't see me 'mingling'!
HEY! HEY ya'll.
Now don't ya'll go actin' like you don't see me over here.
Lawd chile...how ya'll been doin'?
Excuse me.
And thank you for the conversation.~

'Trust me.
It was you who opened my eyes and ears,
To so much I view who is in need of self-assessment.'

~That's what I've been saying.
But that's between you and me.~

'True dat...fool.'

~Huh?
What? ~

'Some of 'us' aren't who we appear to be.'