~67~ Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

By the time I was the age twenty-one,
I felt I had accomplished more in a few years...
With so much to have experienced,
Than the living of the years I had done.

And after witnessing nearly 46 years,
Away from those days with ups and downs...
To shedding buckets of tears,
From swollen eyes to pour over smiles and frowns...
I know I am grateful and truly blessed.
With little bitterness that is left to express.

I now let my success(s) speak for themselves.
Since I sit sometimes disbelieving...
I managed to get any rest at all.
Even though it had been claimed,
I did a lot of 'that' and nothing else!
If other folks were giving their opinions to listen.
I thank God I was able to distance,
From what had been mentioned.

'GOD...
I am so glad I followed to take YOUR lead.
If I had not and 'assumed' my abilities,
None of what I've done and continue to pursue...
Could or would have been possible without YOU.'

And 'IF' I am blessed to witness age 67,
I...
SIXTY-SEVEN?
Wait-a-minute!
SIXTY-SEVEN?
LAWD...
YOU and I have been at this for a long time,
Huh?
SIXTY-SEVEN...
Geeesssshhh.
Sometimes it feels as if it has been longer than that!