Through This Slow Involving Process Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I've known of sacrifice and limitation,
Most of my life.
I've observed those with wealth,
Drive through my neighborhood.
With noses turned up,
And windows closed tight.

I've walked amongst the rich downtown,
Holding their heads down as I passed.
Or sniff their noses as if I smelled of trash.
They wanted me to notice,
How insignificant they wanted me to feel.
Beneath them.

I never thought I would see a day...
Shine so brightly as these days today.
Times change and forgiveness occurs.
A growth process takes place.
A radiance of faith and hope,
Sparkles within the eyes of so many.

I'm not too quick to forget,
Someone spitting in my face.
Or being disgraced by unfaithful mates.
Or having my name slandered...
All over the place,
By those delighting in character assassinations.
But...
I'm 'trying' to forgive!

However...
I 'am' reminded,
The process of higher consciousness has begun taking affect.
And since I've been 'accused' of being intelligent...
What has happened in my past I 'should' forget!
As if I live my life emotionless.
Empty and free of a feeling to feel!

'Oh do I have some news for some folks.
I am not provoked without storing that away,
In my memory file entitled, 'Things To Address'

But I express my feelings like this...
Seriously.
'I am 'still' a work-in-progress!
And I am doing my very best...
Not to feel sheer joy and happiness,
When someone gets a 'payback'...
Received from a time when they did not mind,
Causing me much duress, anger and bitterness to digest.
And from this...
I am hoping to heal.
Through this slow involving process,
Without expressing too much laughter! '

God 'Is' so good all the time...
Aint He?