If I Offend, So Be It

If I offend... So be it! I am not here, To be the 'next' James Baldwin. Or follow in the footsteps, Of Langston Hughes. The shoes I wear are quite comfortable. And the path I walk upon, Has not already been paved. That is the task that has be laid before me. To do that myself! If I offend... So be it! I am not living my life intending to be anyone else, Than who I am. I am the first Lawrence S. Pertillar. And make no mistake about it... I will be acknowledged, For the life I've lived. If I offend... So be it! I just know who it is I am. And I am not who I am because I seek to get paid for it! Like most folks lost and deluded, By the meaning of 'identity'. I've been blessed and I am grateful... To have a dignity as well. And 'if' I offend... So be it! There's so many others, Who have minds associated with making a quick buck. And people like that... Are indoctrinated with corrupted agendas!