Trivialized Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

A quality of life slowly beginning its nosedive,
Right before whoever is left with clear eyes.
No longer stunned or numbed.
Or left shocked by a doing done.
See who is being trivialized.
And the effectiveness of it witnessed.

Running youth chasing others through urban streets.
Holding and pointing guns in broad daylight.
While being passed a piece of chicken to eat.
As sirens wail to announce the arrival,
Of police taught to treat...
All they meet cordially and with respect.

Crime ridden neighborhoods harboring decay.
And left betrayed by promises made.
Prepare to be visited by politicians in campaign mode.
Come dressed in their best suits and ties.
Portraying disgust and sympathy shown.
And posing for photo opts.
Capturing concerns on their suntanned faces.
As they express to those singing songs harmony,
How it is that their patience kept...
Has continually met the approval of God.
As even familiar flies, roaches and rats sit...
Listening with shaking heads in disbelief.
Knowing such B.S. accepted,
Is difficult for them to try and compete.
Especially around those caring less,
About their own existence.
Trivialized to allow rodents and a family of pests,
Pose together as if...
The honor is theirs to be demoralized.