To Make It Shown Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Today,
Although needless and serves no purpose...
There are those still making attempts to escape,
With an erasing of their true 'selves'.

Choosing to 'tom' one's way in,
To prestige and prominence...
May work in the beginning.
But one doing this is reminded and blocked,
From reaching a perceived climb to the top...
By those who eventually put to a stop,
Anyone no longer respected with belief...
A 'tomming' to do to lose one's identity,
With a charading of pomp and pretense...
Has an advantage and an abundance of benefits,
To receive as long as they can convince...
What is presented to represent,
Has nothing to do with their ethnicity or affiliation.

And others who remain proud to proclaim,
Who it is they are with no pretentions to maintain...
Seem comfortable and at ease,
Regardless of names they are called...
Just to appease those with kept insecurities,
Enter from entrances no matter who may be offended...
To strut their stuff to keep.
And at all times to make this known.

'Whether or not my endeavors reaches the top,
With me will be kept an identity.
And a dignity no one can stop.'

~You announcement made is not necessary.
However...
What you have stated is great.
We are always seeking to replace fakers.
And 'today' our efforts to make that known,
We are hoping, with you, to do this shown.~

'But...
I wear dreads all over my head.'

~And...
'Your' problem with this is 'what'?
'Our' acceptance or 'your' perception?
If I could grow them,
Trust me...
The subject would not be brought up to discuss.
And how could you deceive what I see is your identity? ~

'Uh...I...I...uh.'

~Between you and me,
Perhaps those in need to be convinced of change...
Are the ones confused as to who they represent.~

'Huh? '

~Repeat after me...
'Perhaps those in need to be convinced of change...
Are the ones confused as to who 'they' represent.'
It's not me!
I get it.~