Don't Expect It Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Respect?
You mean the r-e-s-p-e-c-t?
With a wanting to know,
If it's spelled correctly...
Like it is meant to be?

'Yes.
That's the one thing today,
I don't receive.
And it is basic too.
With a quality that determines,
One's identity and integrity.'

Well...
It's like this.
And I don't intend to offend,
Your expectations.

If respect is not given to get,
Don't expect it.
Or become upset to feel neglected.
These are not those times,
To find minds thinking like that.

However...
If that's the trip you have been on,
To return back...
From a recent brain storm.
With a belief you will uncover,
Anyone's interest to hold to discover...
I suggest you change the topic.
Since many folks have yet to be sold,
That their respect to give unconditionally...
May or may not be accepted,
Without pre-conditions met.

'Pre-conditions?
What kind of pre-conditions? '

The way you dress.
And who designed it.
Where you live.
What you drive and the year it is.
With proof of ownership,
That what you drive is actually yours.
And not leased or rented on weekends.

'But what has that got to do,
With giving to show someone respect? '

Today?
EVERYTHING.
People want to be impressed, first.
Before they decided,
Their time to give has not been wasted.