From The Black Perspective Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Why don't you write more from the 'Black' perspective?
Or the African-American point of view.
Perhaps from the 'Negro' in you.
You have several points of view,
From which to choose.
Why aren't your depictions more from this experience?

'You mean...
The isolation and pain? '

Yeasss.

'The oppression I've endured,
With little gain to claim? '

Oh! Yes, yes, yes!

'My feelings of discrimination,
Racism and hatred? '

Ooooohhh...Yesssss! Yes.

'That bitterness within me.
For being 'Black'?
And carrying it on my back.
With a torment that rips my soul? '

Oh, please. More, more, more.

'The hunger, the poverty.
The homelessness expressed...
Within my people that keeps us divided,
In a separateness?
The misery, the tears.
The sleeplessness for wishing to be white?
And the fears of being a Black man,
With no allies in sight? '

Oh...I feel your anguish!
So tragic.

'My need to tap dance to gain public acceptance?
Regardless of my burdens, tribulations and suffering? '

Please stop this.
You have driven me to tears.

'Well...
To answer your question,
I haven't given that much thought.
However...
When and if I change my mind,
I'll give you a call.
You seem to be more empathetic about that,
Than I am!
Nobody but me pays my bills.
And my creditors could care less,
How I sign my money orders or checks.
Like everybody else...
They just want to get paid.'

Is that it?

'That's it!
That's how I feel about it.
And I am free to complain and whin if I choose.
Just like you.'

Well...
Thanks anyway.
I was hoping for a deeper,
More 'probing' insight!
I'm writing a thesis for my doctorate.
And I was hoping you would co-operate,
With more venom.

'What are you seeking?
To be attacked? '

Oh, no.
Why?
Do I look as if I'm wishing to be seduced?