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Memoir of An African-American Man, Achievement, Ii

Achievement, 2 of 2
                         —Time to share—

I cried and bewailed 
while staring at mother’s peaceful yet painful face
in the casket she is laying. I cursed the world and swore 
to avenge. I joined military to become a man and learn how to kill.
I volunteered to deploy wherever conflict arises. And deployment 
to the war-torn-nations made me open my ill-intention-filled eyes
and look at the other side of reality because the scene of war was 
nothing but full of ugly and atrocious evil.

From the fields of agonizing cry;
from the ruins, 
the mark of evil-minded man 
would like to witness the site with a smile; 
from misery, the inhumanly plotted spiteful man’s 
skillful torture; I learned how to love and forgive 
instead of hate and kill.

During military service
I found the time and the way to complete my high school education,
I even advanced to take some college credits while in service,
and with G.I. Bill,
I earned undergraduate degree after discharged from military.
I felt satisfaction in the bachelor’s black gown, I assured 
my own will power holding diploma in my hand.

I was proud, though, no one came 
and congratulate me on the day of my graduation,
I found the meaning of life, though, I have no siblings
to share my happiness.

As I walked through the arch that separates academia 
and workaday world, I was already struggling, however, 
how to establish myself as a member of this society.
Should I engage in an entrepreneurial vocation 
for immediate economical stability?
Take advanced study in medicine, law, ministry,
or become an academician?

I chose to become a physician
because it was not only my dear mother’s cherished wishes,
is also able to remove or lessen physical pains and mental anguishes
form the sick.

All my effort, not ended in vain, but bear the fruits of promises,
and I became a leading figure of the community. Now I am, standing by the window in my medical office, watching the people come and go, pondering,

should I continue doing what I am doing now and enjoy 
my comfortable life with my beautiful family, and esteem 
of all the neighbors, 
or go to a one of poverty stricken neighborhoods
and help those poor souls without reward.

[After he went over thoroughly with his wife,
since their children were grownups and in college,
they decided to move to a one of poor villages in the remote area
and become a comforter to needy villagers.]

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