respect

think of respect
as a balance
an equilibrium

you show and you owe
 respect
to the level
that you are shown and owed it

you earn and deserve
respect
to the level
that you give and bestow it

think of respect
not as a right so much
but as
a condition of our existence

i can respect you
as you respect me
you must respect me as i must
respect
you

before anything is said or done
prepare and be prepared to accept
a ground
whereon we can respect one other
a ground
on which we can meet
a ground
that is
mutual
where we both
belong

how you conduct yourself
in relation to others
will determine how others
conduct themselves
in relation to you

expect to be respected
in your rights in your ways in your person
as you are prepared to respect
them in return

think of respect
in any given situation
as the basis on which to build
trust

and two things everyone wants to be

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