Here To Breakdown Barriers Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Please.
No need to apologize.
We all have a reason to misinterpret.

And yes, I do agree.
They should regard it a privilege,
That I am in their presence.

Ain't too many of me up in here!
Providing 'urban' insight.
From a point of view,
They believe from TV 'should' be...
Full of venom with tidbits of hate.
Because I am a black man.
Raised in projects they have created,
And made ghettos.

I do not serve that kind of mentality.

You see...
I know I have more to offer.
And I give it to them for free.
I am not a Huxtable.
Although I greatly appreciate Bill Cosby.
He too delivers from an insight fresh!

And as a writer/poet...
I do my best to express from a consciousness,
Much broader than the confines...
Of mindsets defined by one's color.
And from me,
People do get those experiences and observations...
Far beyond fenced in divisions.
And from me,
Expressed!
Not based upon beliefs or limitations of ignorance.
Those boundaries I wish to stretch!

And many might find that offensive,
Since it represents an intelligence unrestricted.
And some wish more ethnicity to see,
To classify me.
I defy those branded standards.
I am here to breakdown barriers!
Not to build them!
There are too many of those architects.
And I do not apply my insights,
To those aging blueprints I detest.
Yes.

And those who say they judge folks on their character?
Should not self annoint themselves as judges at all!
That's the point I make!
Again...
I am here to breakdown barriers!
Not to build them!
Or provide a safety net...
For those insecurities yet to heal.