Standards I Value Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

How can I recognize times have changed,
And so have I?
I had been the kind of person that thought,
Being of service to my fellowmen...
Was a duty and a deed I was here on Earth to do.
I would have cleaned some people's toilets,
If I was asked to.
I make clear now those choices,
From which I choose.

Today,
If some of those same people...
Were to invite me to a dinner party as their main guest,
To sit at the head of the table.
I would not accept.
Not because I didn't care for them as people,
Which just might be the case.
I wouldn't accept because of the menu.
OR if I did not personally know the chef.
Since I have acquired my own satisfying taste.

How can I recognize times have changed,
And so have I?
I had been the kind of person that thought,
Being of service to my fellowmen...
Was a duty and a deed I was here on Earth to do.
I would have cleaned some people's toilets,
If I was asked to.
And I 'still' might consider such a task.
Depending upon who it is that may ask.

But,
As my own preference would have it...
I'd rather take a city bus.
Than to be chauffeured around in a limousine.

And...
So glad I am,
To have remained to keep my own standards I value...
Available and within my grasp.
And not think myself out of touch or reach,
From the people I most adore and respect.
Or think I am above those lessons I learn to keep.
And from them whom to me I receive realities...
I do not have to solicit,
Since they frequently on a daily basis teach.
And for FREE?
I can not beat that.

These are standards I value.
To keep me focused and my mind intact.