Watched And Monitored Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I 'use' to be the one,
To advocate with a doing done...
Of making great strides.
With an inviting others to do the same.
But what I have noticed over the years,
Were many making claims!
With fears to chase and move away obstacles.

Yet when the time came to make those steps,
They and their claims made disappeared.
To then leave me to be told by those through gossip,
How they found my directness too offensive...
Especially for those who needed more time to contemplate,
If the doing of what was wished to do...
Was acceptable to those who did not choose to see us,
Expressing too much ethnic identity.

'Lies.
I just know these are lies.'

Since in the doing of it might have an influence on others,
Living in surrounding communities and may have their druthers...
As to who might think our activities too expressive and neglect,
Those not yet prepared...
To witness our ethnic identities expressed in such openness.
And...
Feeling 'that' secure within themselves.
And...
Those fearing this rejection of their acceptance,
STILL live in obeyance within fences to be watched and monitored.

'What 'image is this you have envisioned?
What is it you are implying? '

Implying?
You have to see this to believe they live like this to exist.
This aint no dream.
This is an acceptance of evilness addressed.
And wanted as if expected.

'Lies.
I just know these are lies.'

You only need to make one visit.
You'll witness it in action.
You will see how it thrives.
And you will disbelieve those still awaiting,
For their 'masters' to arrive to unlock the gates...
To mothballed plantations.
And with an honoring of their reservations.

'Lies.
I just know these are lies.'

Of course they are.
I'm just exaggerating reality.