Sweep It To Clean Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Quoting statistics,
With an ability to do this quick.
Although one hesitates,
To put in place solutions...
But dresses to impress to make excuses,
Continues to be the mindset...
Of those seeking to deny the effectiveness,
They have chosen to historically ignore.

And that is...
If dirt appears to pile up on a floor,
Sweep it to clean it.
What does a taken off of a suit jacket,
To pick out a decorative rug is suppose to hide?
More attempts to face reality?
There is something about teaching sweat equity,
To deposit that restores a dignity earned not given.

'Do as I say with a doing as I do.'

~I think you've got 'that' confused.~

'No.
You do.
No more speeches from me do you get.
The proof is in the teaching,
With an assistance to teach those lessons taught.'

~I don't get it.~

'You will.
After this floor is cleaned.
Along with the two others.
And I inspect them before you mop.'

~What is 'this'? ~

'This is a broom.
To take in your hands.
That is a floor.
To remember where your lessons began.
Show and tell is over.
So begin.
You have an hour.'

~But...
What about my studies and my ambitions? ~

'Somehow,
I am convinced...
You will regard them with a much more seriousness,
With a time for them you will find.
You have 45 minutes.'

~45?
You said I had an hour.~

'I know.
That was 15 minutes ago.
Time flies doesn't it?
Especially when seeking excuses to make.'