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respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
I’ll tell you what it means to the world
To this society that suffocates me
Appreciate
And adore what we have been allowed
Although it’s big or small
Adequate or atrocious
Astute or abstract
Obey
And follow the rules faultlessly,
Despite the oppress
Like soldiers well oiled in war
Don’t ask questions
Just do it, comply
For we have no other option
Honor
We must regard with great humor
Held to
Preserve throughout the ages
With a grand title
A meaningless title
A supposed earned title
Value
We must love and treasure
We look up with glazed eyes, filmed in sheer wonder
Look but don’t touch, for the importance
It’s too much for us
We must respect the unyielding knowledge
Respect
Respect
Respect
Respect has been ingrained like a tattoo
It blars bold across our limbic system
Spilling across our lives
We unwaveringly
Appreciate
Obey
Honor
Value
But why?
Why do as I’m told? Because you said so?
Why should I appreciate your “wisdom”?
Because knowledge is age?
Why should I honor the old, the wise, the rules?
Because that’s the way it is, the right way?
Why should I be forced to treasure the filth you pour into my mind?
Because you are right?
Respect comes at such a staggering price
I’m dangerously close to falling off the edge
If I falter in my step, I’m twinning with death in the worlds eyes
Why must I fill in the shoes stepping in a circle
Walk without reason, blind
The definite possibility that my guide is wrong
It shines through the minimal good
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
I will respect those who respect me
I will not bend into the molds that you have forced me into
I will never conform to you
For you are undeserving of me
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I wrote this after dealing with a difficult substitute teacher that demanded respect but didn't really deserve it. She grated my nerves throughout the entire class period. This piece is about situations like this, about never giving something like respect to someone until they prove that they deserve it. I've always had a difficult time understanding why terrible teachers deserve to be treated with respect.