What is respect?
The question posed
by a stranger, except
the answer evades and erodes
Chipping away at my mind
“Respect is doing what you are told”
I say, but alas my answer is blind
Because, “That’s what I tell my four year old.”
She says, “That is obedience, not respect.
Be careful to not confuse the two.”
After hours of introspection
I ask my wife her view
“Respect is treating people
like you want to be treated.”
Answered true, but still a deep hold
grasping on my mind, not retreating
I resign to ask Google this basic question
What I find redefines my perspective
Here a new quest begins where a quest ends
Respect is:
“Due regard for the feelings,
wishes, rights, or traditions of others.”
This redefines all my dealings
Strangers, uncles, aunts, brothers
Respect is reacting in aknowledgement
To the differences in our lives
Where has this knowledge went?
With this I shall devise
Revise my answers when asked rudely
Redefine my positions
And treat others duly
I’ll give my propositions
My proposals and opinions
Because respect does not mean
Being a door mat in the end
Endow my children, bolster their esteem
I’ll teach them to be respect super stars
Mind others differences in your team
Love others as they are
That is what respect means
If you like my poem check out the link to my Etsy shop where you can find my “Definition of Respect” tee shirt. By purchasing this shirt or any of my other WriteAttitudes products you help me to create more content for you and others. Click on the below tee shirt to follow my link. Thank you!
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