Something To Do Was Payment Enough Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

You say you work to have 'stuff' and things.
Things for you that make your life more meaningful.
And you believe those denied,
Should be classified as lazy.
Since they do not use initiative...
To recognize or create their own opportunities that await.

Yet there is something missing from your assessment!

'Oh yeah?
Like what? '

You and others like you,
Have successfully blocked all their avenues to progress.

That's not true,
When my ancestors arrived...
They spoke not a word of English.
And immediately on the South Side of the city...
They were inspired to open several pizza parlors.
And my grandfather once told us...
None of those folks wanted to work for him.
And he offered them FREE pizza too!

'How much did he offer to pay them? '

Hey...
In those days,
Having something to do was payment enough!
That's what's wrong with them now...
Their expectations are too high!