RESPECT

Respect Personified

Respect

rests quietly,

but if he rises

he has a mountain's voice  

without words.

He is stalwart as a soldier,

frightening as a general 

YET

gentle as a kitten's curl

when pressed 

against

a trustworthy heart.

He is not demeaned

by bowing

to the most 

unlikely masters

and

stands with Lady Justice

when sparrows are broken.

His leathered hands

cradle withered seeds

and he plants them surely

for he knows the bloom

of hope.

Author's Note

Written for the "Respect Personified" Contest...please let me know what you think.

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

What I think?

Well, Claire,
I'm not certain I've enough or adequate words to express how impressed and swept-up I am by the sheer power and wisdom emanating from your words, into my mind, heart, and soul. Suffice it to say how very much I wish I'd composed this wonderful Free Verse piece — even more-so, how envious I am by the level of your grammatical and creative skills. Respect? Yes, you can certainly call it that (and so much more).

What a distinct pleasure you are to read … thank you so very much, Dear Claire! ⁓ Richard

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you for this beautiful review, Richard. This is one of my favorites...it reminds me of my father who is long passed. I so appreciate your kind words.

[Richard🖌]

You are sincerely and warmly welcome, Claire … smiles 'n hugs!
I know your father loved you tremendously, his little girl, and I know, too, he would be extremely proud of you, the woman … I hope he lived to read your brilliant poetry, Claire ⁓ Richard

[New Dawn]

I am impressed by your vision of respect. To me respect personified would be the character of Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. I don't know why and of course he is not a real person but in terms of respect he ticked all the boxes. Your character seems to have similar strengths :)

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

What an awesome thought. Thank you so much! :)

[Cynthia Man]

I love the way you see respect, a powerful writing! also, the idea is great! Everyone deserves respect~ Also, I love the structure of the poem as well!
Nice written!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you so much! It is special to me, and I appreciate you taking time to read it and leave me such kind thoughts. :)

[Cynthia Man]

Ur welcome :D:D

[Liza]

Stunning.....I am stunned, brilliant waves of soothing emotions that touch the balance of protection, healthy fear of conservation and love when respect is involved.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I am humbled by your words and you have my most sincere thanks.

[shultzfeather]

love the ideals

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I do too.

[shultzfeather]

Another poet killing me, love your witing

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Can't wait to read your work. Start uploading! Not to sound bossy or anything. :/

[Amen_Poppies]

"but if he rises
He has a mountain's voice
Without words"
This is such a beautiful visual. The words flow effortlessly together. I love this.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you for your kind thoughts on this!

[quinfinn]

wow... deep and powerful...and perfectly gauged, well done!

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

I appreciate your thoughts on it. Means a lot. :)

[Southern Cross]

This is such a profound yet gentle expression of respect. This is how it should unfold in life...All encompassing..strong , soft and bold all in the manner in which it is needed. A beautiful write and even more beautiful thought.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Thank you. This one is near to my heart.