Keeping The Mind And Body Healthy Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I remember once being driven with interest,
To several aspects of the performing arts.
With a desire to learn everything I could...
About acting, movement, directing, playwriting,
Music, singing and vocal delivery.

And over the years,
I've spent thousands of dollars...
To have pictures taken, traveling back and forth,
To auditions with minor success.
And doing what was necessary to feed and shelter myself.

I discovered early and quick...
The business of a performer,
Is far from glamorous!
Having delicious fantasies...
Do not forever stimulate.

I knew folks who were so in love what they did,
They chose to live in the streets!
And to this very day I thank God,
For enjoying the love I have for food to eat.
And having a place to sleep.
Reality and not delusion kept me fed.

And when I listen to others criticize those,
For what they have chosene to do on stages...
Or how it is they perform by just watching TV,
I am quick to express my anger by this.
Since I know...
For a fact,
Their lazy as...'pirations'...
Could not handle it!
It is not a breeze to make something look easy.
No!

And those that write,
Prolificly day in and until night?
No one who hasn't done it,
Would have a clue as to what that is like.

'Are you 'still' at it? '

~Yes.
What day is this?
And what time is it? ~

Although there are those who embellish their lives,
With such ease as to be believed...
Without a disciplined criteria in sight.
Listening to them exaggerate their experiences,
Often makes me sick of it.

And those who accept the act of plagarism?
I would only show them my fist!
I know inside their minds there is not a hint of integrity.
Since it takes years to muster up the courage...
To have publicized something one writes,
For fear others will tear it apart...
And say about it what they please.
But over the years one heals from this

I remember once being driven with interest,
To several aspects of the performing arts.
And those craving inside me will forever stay.
But I have learned as I've aged...
Notoriety without encouraged nourishment,
Will eliminate a fire...
That rages in one's heart.
IF one does not think,
Of keeping the mind and body healthy first!
Thirsting from a distance,
I have ove rrehearsed.

I've learned those lessons,
The hard way!
The only oasis I have to mirage of late,
Is a kept peace of mind I have enjoyed to insatiate.

*Mister Pertillar?
Excuse me...
MISTER PERTILLAR? *

# Yes. Yes. Yes?
Oh, I'm sorry...
My mind drifted off.#

*Are you 'sure' you want to order,
Another Ceasar's salad with smoked oysters.*

#Am I 'sure' of it?
You want me to help you make it? #