Try Not to Let Your Spring Run Dry

Summary

The author explores the concept of respect and its importance in our lives through a rhyming poem and accompanying commentary.

Abstract

In this article, the author presents a poem titled "Try Not to Let Your Spring Run Dry," which discusses the significance of respect in our social interactions. The poem highlights that respect is a two-way street, and when it is not reciprocated, it can lead to feelings of malaise. The author also acknowledges that respect can be faked and used as a tool for manipulation. Throughout the poem, the author emphasizes the importance of offering genuine respect to others, even when it may not be deserved, as it contributes to the betterment of our world. In the commentary, the author reflects on the challenges of maintaining a reservoir of respect and the difficulty of respecting individuals with malicious intentions.

Opinions

The author believes that respect is a valuable resource that should be offered sincerely to others, even when it may not be reciprocated.
The author suggests that a lack of mutual respect in relationships can lead to feelings of malaise and a depletion of one's ability to offer respect to others.
The author acknowledges that respect can be faked and used as a means of manipulation.
The author expresses the idea that respecting others, even when they have evil intentions or engage in bad behavior, is important for maintaining their humanity.
The author admits that it can be challenging to reject someone's malicious aims and bad behavior while still offering them respect.
The author encourages readers to engage with the poetry prompt and share their thoughts on the topic of respect.
The author promotes an AI service as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus, offering the same performance and functions.

A rhyming poem about respecting respect

Hand cut from paper and photographed by Author

We notice when it flows to us and when it’s not returned. At times it may be lost or drained then found, restored, or earned.

When empathy has sunk below or words are cruel and mean when selfish currents push our acts, it’s missing from the scene.

It buttresses our social ties when it flows out both ways but when it seeps from just one side it summons up malaise.

It seems to be in short supply when tender tempers flare. It can be faked (to sway your mind) then surface as a snare.

While we’re afloat on life’s vast stream one lesson shall apply: When giving real respect away don’t let your spring run dry.

Sincerely sip and offer it to those who grace our lives for even when it’s not deserved it helps our world survive.

I started this poem with the idea that respect deserves a lot of respect. I thought we always have a reservoir of respect to offer others, that giving respect doesn’t cause us to run out. I was also thinking that when a person has evil intentions and is behaving badly, they still deserve to be respected as a human being.

But as I continued writing, I saw some possible weaknesses in those thoughts. If other people don’t respect us, if our relationships lack mutual respect, we might start feeling like we have no respect to give. And it can be challenging to reject someone’s evil aims and bad behavior while also giving them our respect. What are your thoughts?

This poem is a response to an inspiring prompt from Carolyn Hastings at Paper Poetry. Thank you Carolyn and the whole Paper Poetry team. Along with her prompt, Carolyn encourages writers to name and invite up to five specific other writers to join the prompt. I’d like to invite all readers, and am calling upon: Colleen Millsteed, Cristina Cattai, Joe Merkle, Margie Willis, Carlo Zeno. Submissions are being accepted until the end of August, so you still have time!

Respect Respect

Try Not to Let Your Spring Run Dry

A rhyming poem about respecting respect

Respect Respect on Repeat

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