Efforts To Unite Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

What are those people protesting,
Against?
In a rotation that seems,
To have recycled comments.

'Unfulfilled promises made,
To their ancestors.'

And when were such promises,
To their ancestors made?

'Hmmm. Let's see.
Maybe...
Five or six decades ago.'

I don't understand.
Why do they keep protesting?

'They are hoping one day,
Someone in a position of authority...
Will come to show them the way,
How they can create...
Their own opportunities.
But first they seek to be taken seriously,
For their efforts to unite.
And sing songs of freedom.
That will be recognize and validated.
With an attention given to them...
Not to dismiss this time, again.'

Can't they do this 'and' on their own.
To condone.
Without seeking attention to get.
That usually those in leadership positions,
Have little time to give.
Just to focus on this.
These days have become too complex.
Too complicated.

'Well...
That had been suggested,
By others who made recommendations...
To have rejected.
Since many of the ones who do protest,
And on a regular basis.
Claim they have yet to be taught,
To multi-task.
With a need not to be left less educated.'

Educated?
Educated to do what?

'Listen. Comprehend.
And become more disciplined.
With a patience that tolerates,
What it takes to appreciate progress.
As well as an identity and dignity to address.'

Whew.
And when will that begin?

'That depends on who doesn't offend them,
By a truth that is expressed...
All hear and accept as is.'