Appreciation

Approval and acceptance sought,
Seems to be a continous battle...
Of an ongoing marketing to feed,
Doubt and self deception.
That leaves many with a need to feel,
Someone else they would rather be.
Hoping to please and avoid scrutiny.
As if to conform,
To recognizable labels.
Placed upon them that identifies,
Who they are and ethnicities.

These comparisons between races,
Has allowed and supported...
Division and disparities.
With a doing to uphold,
The appearances of images.
And who represents,
A superiority that presents...
Being entitled to feel an appealing,
Of such marketing to sell such nonsense.

Few awaken each day to discover and find,
Time to appreciate the celebrating...
Of who they are to be.
Or be grateful to express a thankfulness.
For being blessed without expecting,
Someone else to address...
A hearing heard that directs,
That appreciation.
Many await from others to express.

Seeking like hawks for impressions made.
Everyday on the prowl,
Witnessed to observe...
Are the masqueraders charading,
Disguises to imitate pretensions made.
Hoping this to value stays accepted,
And approved.

'Hellooo.
And tell me,
What is it that you do?
Strutting with such pride.
And noticeable confidence.
Were you born to have such class?
Dripping with status!'

'Wow.
No.
Just an observer invited by a friend.
Although...
I do awaken each day feeling thankful.
And blessed to appreciate the me I am.'

'OH.
I didn't mean that.
I meant...
What is it that you do?
You know...
Something that entitles you,
To swagger with all that...
DARING TO IGNORE ME presence.
Were your parents of wealth and status?'

'Are you kidding?
I grew up in the projects.
And proud to be myself.'

'I enjoy the humor.
But seriously...
What does that mean?'

'Hmmm...
Let's see.
Honestly?
It means I could care less.
My kite to fly it,
Whether high or low.
Has my own signature on it.'

'Then you must know how to use,
What you have extremely well.'

'What?'

'The package.
That package you carry is wrapped well.
If you don't mind me saying so?'

'No.
I don't mind.
But the main asset I have,
Comes from my ability to maintain...
Eye contact.'

'Trust me.
My eyes have maintained that contact.
And you carry that status to have,
Very well.'

'I appreciate your comments.
It's a gift I was born with.'

'And God has blessed you tremendously.'

'I know.
And for that I remain grateful.'

'Me too!