RESPECT

REPECT

Respect seems to be a lost art

So much “candor” flies about,

Disguise for guile, which hurts.

No one walks in another’s shoes

Any more. No one pays his dues.

What ever happened to respect?

To respect another is to affirm,

And one affirmed returns in spades –

So much better than sticks and stones,

So much easier on one’s old bones –

Not necesarilly the easiest route,

But it is the smarter one.

Respect. The hallmark of the human,

Distinguishing him from other species –

Or so the human thinks. Show respect,

Save yourself the anguish of rebutttal,

And perhaps self hate. Anger never solves.

You may find peace, and even make a friend.

Respect, and never need to make a retraction.

Respect, it is the Golden Rule in action.

                             –H. W. Bryce