Lessons Learned

Few living through these tumultuous days.
Can honestly say,
Not a lesson have they learned.
About stubbornness.
And the ignorance of it.
Teachers, preachers.
Along with those who police our streets.
Can attest they have become,
Stressed beyond belief.

Wherever it is one may go.
Respectful they should be.
This isn't a test.
People should do this naturally.
Especially shown to others,
Who show they are capable to know...
The meaning of kindness.
Without getting looks from head to toe.
Since...
It may be possible,
They could have once been...
On the other end.
Being inconsiderate,
And disrespectful too!
Growing older to learn our lessons,
Is not for many an easy thing to do.

Then unexpectedly it happens.
That slow to pick up speed.
An unstoppable slide,
From the top to the bottom.
With an experiencing a sorrow and grief.
To expect some show of empathy.
Nowhere to come or be observed.
By someone disrespected.

'Hello.
You look familiar to me.
Oh, yes...now I remember.
Aren't you the one,
To tell me where to go.
And what to do to myself?
When I expressed kindness.
To want nothing else from you.
How's it going?'

'So much I have learned,
About life and being polite to others.
So much I have learned!'

'I remember having this one teacher.
Who took an interest in me.
To say...
I did all I could not to live successfully.
And...
Whatever I did,
Not to take one's kindness for weakness.
Or believe something else,
They wanted from me.
AND...
To never take for granted,
Who our 'Angels' may be.'

'Oh?
So...
Then what did you say?'

'Something like...
You don't know me like that.
Take that crap and shove it up your...
Well,
You know how the rest of it goes!'

'I...uh...I...
I don't know what to say.'

'That's okay.
I had to learn myself,
A picture painted...
Can say much more than words ever can!
But know this...
A painter will paint on their own canvas.
To eventually see,
Who it is in the picture...
No longer to go ignored!'

'How did you know I was an artist?'

'I didn't.
But...
We all choose whatever we wish,
To have pictured on our canvas.'

'Your teacher taught you that?'

'No!
God and living life did!'