IF we respect ourselves and others
it doesn’t mean we need to agree
we can make very different choices
we don’t even have to like them
it weakens our judgemental attitude
with respect we will take responsibility
for our own words actions and inactions
allowing blame and shame to evaporate
increasing our every comfort level
authentic respect excludes all bias
diversity is acceptable and curiosity
ensures our heart lightens as it opens
we cease projecting harmful attitudes
as we emanate genuine respect
inequality bigotry rape violence
have no breathing space to exist
safety joy and calm reign supreme
is respect so difficult to embrace
bigotry and violence have no place
why can’t we live together in grace
world peace inner peace
respect is our only choice
agreed propaganda brainwashes most
but those with a conscience should heed it!
aroused 
Being respectful is my first ever priority. It wasn’t always for me, sadly enough, but I’m glad I realized it while I was still young 🙂 Beautiful poem, Kate!
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wow that’s a huge realisation for a younger person to have … it makes life so much smoother 🙂
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Respecting each other is peace. Beautifully crafted.
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thanks, really appreciate that!
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I agree with you on this one, and I love how you have concluded this.
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thanks, I really appreciate you saying so as I know it’s your passion 🙂
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Oh this is so relevant with how I have been feeling today! We all have the right to our opinions, to agree or to disagree with others but at the same time respecting their opinions and ours as well.
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I wholeheartedly agree, in fact this is my philosophy in life…live and let others live. AS long as we don’t hurt each other, we can all get along.
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YES!! I was telling this to someone on fb recently. Disagree with me all you want..just do it respectfully. We are all entitled to our beliefs..who we trust, where we find validity, etc.
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Boy this hits the nail on the head! I particularly liked the stanza about not needing to agree in order to respect one another – we can have differing opinions and still be respectful. And of course the moving plea of “why can’t we live together in grace.” A wonderful poem, as usual.
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“Why can’t we live together in grace?”
Because men like Trump need to save face.
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and who would want to save that ugly mug, really!
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Respectfully, of course. 😀 Nice poem and I agree just couldn’t resist just like you couldn’t resist. Respect you a lot. Enjoy our freedom to disagree and still admire.
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love you to bits oneta, wish I could hug you!
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You’re a jewel. I’m sending a non-covid hug, perhaps a social distancing one. 😀
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Right on, SweetKate!
Every person in the world, no matter where they live, or how they live, just want to be treated with respect. Like love, attitude, kindness, happiness, giving, optimism…respect is a choice.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
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Agreed, Kate. Absolutely.
Truth is, no two people agree on everything. We’re far too complex and differ too widely in our experiences for any other possibility.
Thank goodness. A planet of clones would be pretty scary,
Okay, a lot scary.
I generally agree with many in my circle. I disagree with many of them too. They’ve reached the wrong conclusions, true, but their motivations are good. Besides, it’s not unheard of for them to have changed my mind, and me, theirs.
What then? If I don’t respect “the other,” what does that say of me if I come around? And vice-versa?
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Thinking only of the self leaves little space to respect others. I believe there are more people in the “me” generation than was first thought…
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there may be but this is a plea to turn that around … we each need to lead by example and hopefully more will get the message 🙂
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People in this rush for worldly goods and getting rich by possessing things have forgotten about mutual respect, love and responsibility for other people, often weaker and vulnerable. I am glad that you remind people what is important in life.
Greetings
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Excellent
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Love this! Respect definitely isn’t agreeing. It’s accepting the others choices as theirs to make for whatever their reasons, even if their reasons aren’t valid. Respect goes for everyone from the 1 year old to the 100 year old.
Love, light, and glitter
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You are at your poetic best, Kate and this will resonate with so many. ❤️
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Respecting each and everyone for who they are is what is so required from all of us Kate. Removing selfishness that has become so rampant in our World and taking selflessness will make our World a better place to live. Lovely poem.
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you said it well Kamal!
Selflessness is needed and those with the strength need to step up, lead by example!
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Yes Kate unless and until selfishness is rooted from each and everyone then only they will know what selflessness is all about and we will have a new world of togetherness and harmony.
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Respect for our fellow citizens…. I think people have forgotten how to spell the word….. best we ask Aretha how to say it..R-E-S-P-E-C-T….!!
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great addition to this post, thanks Ivor!
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Definitely respect is the way…
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Respect is the best choice.
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