A Hollowness To Fill Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Only those shallow.
And depending upon a hollowness to fill,
Have never felt connected to an identity.
Or a dignity known that is real.

Those performing expected tasks,
From images to them that have been passed...
Seek to adorn themselves with masks.
In the hopes that the doing,
Will be acceptable by others...
Who also charade and masquerade,
A proudness to 'address'.
But can not express it felt to feel.

Only those shallow.
And depending upon a hollowness to fill,
Have never felt connected to an identity.
Or a dignity known that is real.

'How come you don't act like the rest of us? '

~I have no indignities to share.
No demeaning statements to make.
I'm not seeking to be freed from centuries of abuse.
And accusations to blame anyone I have none.
Nor do I live to deceive or create excuses.
I happen to love who I am and represent.~

'Say what?
You do what?
Geeeessshhh.
I can't imagine living a life like that.
Good luck.
I hope everything works out for the best.'