Dear Self Respect (Part II)

By KW

I’m sorry I’ve made you feel neglected,
Unwanted, and disregarded.
I’ve treated you as though you didn’t matter.
As though you were lent?
I brushed you aside.
My pride I hide to ensure your position,
As the foundation of my decision-making.
You spoke.
I heard.
The heart listens.
Together – you’re right – we are unstoppable.
Thank you for your commitment.
Even in the face of my betrayal?
Your belief in our unity never fail.
I’ve held on too long to worthless, destructive,
And unproductive beliefs.
Pursuing expensive “wants,”
When you were enough for cheap.
So I acknowledge your rightful place in my life,
And vow to never abandon you twice.

Sincerely,
Me

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16 Comments

  1. Derek H. on May 25, 2020 at 5:15 PM

    This truly reminded me of the importance of working together! A network is always stronger than an individual, and that will take anyone far. Great to see this is the second part, I’ll have to check out the first!

  2. bobolov1988 on May 26, 2020 at 4:22 PM

    This is beautifully self-reflective and shows and incredible connection between the conscious and unconscious mind. Keep writing, you have a talent for it.

  3. Catherine on June 23, 2020 at 8:01 AM

    This self-reflection really touched me – I think we’ve all faced some sort of moment like this, when you realize you’ve been undervaluing yourself. I know I did. Keep fighting your way back to that place of positivity!

  4. David on June 23, 2020 at 4:59 PM

    This hits home for me and something I wish I read years ago, but it still something that reminds me to have self-respect. Taking care of yourself will bring so many good things forward; do not forget about you because no one else will take care of you like you do. I can hear sense of worth you have for yourself now, congratulations you are doing great. Read this anytime you feel different about yourself.

  5. MC on June 29, 2020 at 4:14 PM

    What I like about this poem is how it is written like a letter. Writing a letter about self respect makes it sound like a person that you are trying to understand, and frankly, everyone needs to meet at one point in their lives. The way you wrote the poem allows readers to better relate to what you felt about self respect. When I read this, I felt the same way you did about self-respect. Personally, I feel that I disregard self-respect at times. My favorite lines are “The heart listens. Together – you’re right – we are unstoppable. Thank you for your commitment.” This made me realize how self-respect is always there for us even when we forget about it.

  6. L on June 30, 2020 at 9:34 PM

    I love your line “The heart listens”. In my life I have denied my own self respect for a variety of petty reasons and I love the way your poem speaks directly to that when you say “My pride I hide”. Also, the way you end the poem makes it seem like a formal apology which produces such a cool effect. This poem is incredible.

  7. armani739 on September 9, 2020 at 6:58 PM

    Hi KW,

    First and foremost, great writing here! Reading this makes me feel the emotion. I know that feeling of putting yourself last way too often. I think you did a wonderful job sticking to that and not wavering.

    I wish we all could maintain a vow of that weight! The world would be a better place

  8. Angela on September 29, 2020 at 8:31 PM

    I like how this poem personifies self respect; that’s not something I’ve seen done before, and I think it works really well.

  9. T. on October 28, 2020 at 3:10 PM

    Hello KW,
    Thank you for this moving poem. I am glad you have reconciled with your self respect. It is also something I struggle with. I hope that you will keep your vow and not forget who you are. Keep up the good work.

  10. Ani on October 30, 2020 at 3:18 PM

    Hi KW,

    This poem is very powerful. I feel that sometimes to please other people we set our self-respect aside. This poem a great reminder that we shouldn’t. We should know our self-worth and shouldn’t let others walk all over it. Thank you for reminding me that I should stand for myself and not be taken for granted.

  11. ken on November 11, 2020 at 9:19 PM

    This poem is a very emotional and sentimental. It has such a deep meaning and it is very good. Keep up the good work and do not stop writing!!!

  12. beth on November 21, 2020 at 2:21 PM

    KW,
    Thank you for sharing this poem. I think your struggle with self respect is something that so many people can relate to, including myself. Throughout the poem you illustrate your journey of growth, learning to respect yourself and refusing to fall back into your old ways and bad habits.

  13. cm on May 2, 2021 at 9:32 AM

    Hello KW – I am a student in a college English course called Writing and Community. We focus on community service and service learning, and we try to make lasting relationships with community partners outside of the university to enhance our learning and help the communities around us. I really enjoyed reading your poem, and it resonated with me as I am sure it did with many others. I am so glad you have been able to find the respect for yourself that you deserve. Practicing self respect is so important, but it can often be easier said than done. I really like the way you wrote this poem like it was an open letter to yourself. I found it to be very creative and well written. I sincerely hope you continue to write poems and express your emotions through your writing. Good job and good luck in the future!

  14. Gitta Rogers on October 17, 2021 at 5:50 PM

    This poem is so meaningful and powerful. Your journey with self respect is very inspiring and authentic. Your poem really touched me. It is a great reminder to never forget about respecting ourselves. Thank you for this piece.

  15. Chynel on November 8, 2021 at 9:38 PM

    I absolutely love the format of a letter in your poem. I think that makes it all the more powerful. Such a great message as well. Good job!

  16. Nina Austria on November 9, 2021 at 9:23 PM

    KW, I love not only the message of your poem, but also how creative you managed to be with your writing! Thank you for being so open about your struggle with self-respect; I can definitely relate to this struggle, and so I can only imagine how many others will read this and feel heard.

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