It's Clean Up Time Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

'What's the problem here? '

Officer,
This Negro has the audacity to be arrogant.
The nerve to walk with dignity!
As IF a condoning of his identity,
Has been approved.
Would you please issue him a citation!
I have friends who have come from out of town to visit,
And we wish to see burdened and depressed images.
His presence has ruined our tour!
And that is why you have been summoned!

'I see!
President Obama?
I apologize for this inconvenience.
But why aren't you in the White House?
You have been elected to carry forth our wishes.
You are to uphold 'our' values and standards of life!
Why are you here? '

~My campaign advocated change!
And no longer will there be a tolerance,
Of some folks believing they can come and smuggle...
The best fried chicken and town,
And not give credit where credit is due!
No longer will these recipes be stolen.
No longer will dance movements be lifted...
Or music plagiarized.
Unique customs or studies done,
To disadvantage those where they have originated.
When I said we are going to spread the wealth...
I meant an end will come to those who steal these 'resources'
And leave the creators penniless, mocked and degraded!
I've come to put a stop to it! ~

Arrest him officer...
He can not do this to us!
What will we do?
That has been our 'interest'...
And the foundation of our way of life for generations.
How are we going to survive?

'President Obama?
Any comments? '

~Yes!
I recommend everyone on the bus...
To get off.
We are going to begin the first steps,
Of my civic pride initiative.
After this ethnic feast we are about to have...
All of us are going to get down and funky,
With some good old fashioned discipline.
Unlike any known before!
Trust me...
Your nonsense is going to be remembered,
As child's play!
Grab a broom!
That means you too, officer!
It's clean up time! ~