The Humanizing Factor Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Everything they've ever done,
Had been effective in undermining someone.
Their advocating to defame and shame,
Split apart those in close relationships.
And ostracized the ones to shun,
To isolate them from everyone.
With a deceiving playing of games.

But a giving of empathy to those who did this,
With understanding, comprehension and forgiveness.
Always comes without fail,
Since the humanizing factor has been solicited...
From those who had actually witnessed,
Culprits of evil deeds depicted...
Pruning their bushes and trimming their trees,
On days they gave the gardener time to eat lunch.

And with tears dripping from their eyes,
They explain to those listening...
How they were caught by surprise,
By an experience that has changed their minds...
About those they recklessly misjudged,
As being oppressive, selfish and inhumane.
And this motivated the switching of their vote.

'If it had not been for 'that' one experience,
We too would have thought them out of touch.
Now it is clear to us who is really on our side.'

~But...
How did you get through the gates of those 'estates''~

'We all were dressed as if we were immigrants,
Seeking housekeeping or sharecropper jobs.
To ensure our labor could be bartered.
And would not put a dent in their expenses.'