Someone Needs To Draw For Them A Much Clearer Picture Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

So closed have been my eyes.
So closed and distracted.
From those acts,
That now I can say...
Left unattended,
My values.

Standards I expected to be maintained...
Use to have identifiable names!
Today,
I'd be hard pressed...
Trying to find anyone addressing them.

And that is my fault.
I can't recall the last time,
I reminded anyone...
To keep them encouraged,
Flourished and well nourshed.

I kept hot flashes of fast cash in my mind!
And for too long.
'That'...
I can admit was wrong!
But I can not be the only one,
That has been that stupid?

And I observe more destitution on the streets!

Why can't these people get on their feet,
Get a job and go home! ?
Or establish good credit,
Like the others snuggled in,
Their suburban homes.
Slicing to eat,
Another piece of that Apple pie.

So closed have been my eyes.
So closed and distracted.
From those acts,
That now I can say...
Left unattended,
My values.

'Are those inner city people still whining?
Someone needs to draw for them a much clearer picture.
Perhaps if they see how it is done...
They will get themselves together! '

~Will that be all, Master Lawrence? ~

'Yes.
Make several copies.
Hand a few to that bag lady!
Tell her to dispense with them amongst the crowd.
Maybe that will give them some incentive,
To move away from my doorstep.
And become viable citizens of this great land! '