Claiming To Be Dumbfounded Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

One doesn't have to be a racist,
To know or experience the effects of racism.
Nor does one have to be a chemist,
To know something foul has been mixed in the air...
That brings a stench to it.

People claiming to be dumbfounded,
To then express wonderment...
As to why they are placed in dire circumstances,
They can not escape from facing...
Are the same people who had turned their backs,
When warned what was going on.

'You can not accuse us,
Of being the cause of our problems.'

You are right.
But everyone was warned of the storm coming on,
That had potential to devastate.
Some paid attention but a few like you,
Have come forward to state with a placing of blame...
That no one 'personally' advised them to the severity of it.

'So what do you suggest we do now?

Let go of your excuses and learn to grow up.
You can start by the changing of your own diapers.

'That's not a very kind thing to say,
While we are in the midst of our dilemmas.'

So does that mean I'm not getting your popularity votes?
I'm choked up about it but in time I'm sure I will recover.