The Integrity I Have Earned Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

If I have to look at life,
From my perspective AND yours...
Since I do anyway.
To survive a more diversed life than you do.
However...
You need not believe I wish to walk,
In 'your' shoes?
I am not of a limited mind.

But...
Guess who,
Is going to be giving my perspective...
On your interpretation,
Of how I wish to live my life...
First?
And you need not be around,
To hear who I will try to impress.
Nothing in my mind addresses that.

The integrity I have earned,
Has nothing to do with you.
Nor do I offer it to be borrowed...
Anymore.
I tried that before at my expense.