Taught To Be Professionally Combative Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I would not categorize myself,
By using any means of limitation.
Some who live without missions,
Or causes...
Would not understand my commitment.
Nor do I campaign my efforts.

I will say I am direct.
Pleasant and respectful to a fault.
However...
I do not mind coming face to face,
Or nose to nose...
With anyone who assumes,
My life has not been lived...
Without challenges.

I prefer to be peaceful.
But...
I also have been taught to be,
Professionally combative!
Both as a performing artist,
As an ex-military man...
AND having survived marriage.

So...
I am mentally equipped to deal,
With anyone on several levels.
And living alone on my own...
In a few distant cities,
Has given me a lot of insight.