The First Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

The First



It was the first time in decades,
That an American had won the Boston marathon.
I was listening for something else to be announced.
But it wasn't.

'That's terrific.
I heard about it.
What is the 'else' you talk about? '

You know what 'was' significant about it?

'No. What? '

The winner is a man.
A 'black' man.
And American.

'But he was not described that way.
That's change we all can believe in.
You know,
If you had not mentioned it...
It would not have crossed my mind.'

And that's a first for Boston.

'That's the first for America.'

I had not notice that.
Perhaps we are 'all' finally growing up.
Accepting facts and not delusions.

'You should.
Aren't you black?
You should be delusion free by now.'

Yeah!
But I don't feel I have to always be reminded.
Or pretend I'm something that I am not.
Just to make others feel more comfortable around me.

'That's just how significant his winning is.
To all of us...
Who 'are' FIRST,
American.
And becoming comfortable to admitting it.
Without feeling there is a need,
To further qualify anyone to depict with definition.
That's how unnoticeable this significance is.'

Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Topic(s) of this poem: history
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Close
Error Success