Preparation Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Today?
Times have changed dramatically.

It is not okay,
To speak over someone else.
Already speaking.
With an interruption to discuss,
Another subject to bring up.

Neither is it just okay,
To look at someone from head to toe.
As if done to evaluate.
Then to walk away disrespecting,
An unknown with a belief...
That which is unknown,
May again be faced.
Taking away a need beneficial.

No...
It is not okay.
To pretend a pain to feel,
Is more severely felt...
Than others experiencing the agony.
Inflicted without it wanted or wished.
Yet...
There are so many,
Heard protesting to complain...
About being inconvenienced,
Of having their 'entitlements'...
Being jeopardized.
By a life threatening virus.
Defying a pandemic.
Spreading evidence of it worldwide!

Leaving people like this to perceive,
They and not others...
Have been immuned.
Although...
Disregarding the many,
Victimized.
Their entire lives by injustices.
And disparities of all kinds.
Done to expect them to accept,
A quality of life that is less.
Yet pay a much higher price,
Than those entitled.
And made to sacrifice 'temporarily'...
Their selfishness and greed.
'Normally' to feed continously.

And for them?
This is not okay.
Refuse they do...
Times have changed.
And the doing of this,
They accuse even God...
To blame.
For such an appalling action.
Without being notified.
Or at least given time to prepare,
Their delusions and pretensions...
Kept to keep protected!