Rare, Yet Devalued Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When did thoughtlessness,
Become a cherished entitlement?
With so much of it overflowing,
In abundance to possess.
To leave many upset if more of it,
They can not get.

So often those showing kindness,
Are considered 'crazed' and depicted weak.
Or treated disrespectfully,
To be sought out by some to seek.

So often those empathetic and this known,
Are not perceived to be the ones...
With patience and tolerance to spare,
As if to receive mistreatment is condoned.

And when did wishing to live life peacefully,
Become a rare, yet devalued commodity?
And when did one's strength of conviction,
Become perceived and interpreted as worthless?