Pride And Integrity Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Many young are so accustomed,
To seeing themselves addressed ignorantly...
Religiously follow like sheep in these steps,
And accept this as to reflect...
A part of their heritage.

And if any of their peers are discovered to become,
Too serious with wishes not to be referred to as clowns...
Immediately they are bullied and ostracized,
From appearing with the others in this circus.
And demands are made to remove themselves,
From under the fenced in tent.

As others who encourage this event,
Boo and hiss those expressing a recognized identity...
Of pride and integrity intended as is meant,
By a strength left inside that is felt...
From the existing spirits of their ancestors.