Don't be a doormate.

Don't be a carpet or a mat

for anyone.

Never let them walk over

you and take advantage

of your good nature or will.

The more you let them

use you and abuse you.

They will so glad will do.

You have to learn to ease off

and also learn to love yourself

More so first and foremost.

Then still care for others too if

you wish.

As burning the candle

and aiding to much

will make you ill and sick.

To the point, you are no good

to yourself or anyone.

Reviews

[sette]

in my world there are times we have to be a doormat in order to just feel the belongingness perhaps it varies in accordance with the culture one is accustomed to

[Einstein Noodle]

Absolutely ... when we allow ourselves to be abused ... we are allowing ourselves to be degraded and, when one thinks about it... allowing the abuser to degrade themselves also ... the strikes are to the souls of people :( V2 L3 has a bit of rough syntax ... this kind of reads like a lesson being given rather than written as poetry ... just a suggestion, of course, but maybe try your hand at a more formal style ... like quatrains that have a rhyme pattern .. or couplets with recognizable meter ... the theme is strong, relevant and the body of your poem contains very sound wisdom ... won only through experiencing ... its a difficult thing to be trod on ... we are made to lift up and be lifted up...not spitefully used >;/ your poem has put me guard up this morning Dawn ... love on ya! :)
E.

[Robert Trakofler]

I like this place you are going dear dawn! It is an unfamiliar road but the destination has a lovely reflection:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, we can expend much too much care and stress in helping others, and sometimes we just have to back off a bit and take care of ourselves..so true.
i like this theme

first line in third stanza...did you mean "ease off"?
i read it as that.
but smart philosophy here.
j.