Virtue of Respect
Tacoma Anderson© September 2002 all rights reserved

Oh, My brother how it amazes me
That you refuse to be disrespected by other nationalities
And how you are quick to want to fight
Rant and rave about the days of old
When your ancestors were slaves

Now, you’ve earned the respect of others
By the death of black leaders and
Others who chose to suffer to gain
That which you feel is your right

But every time you allow someone
Of your own color or ethnic group
To do that which angered you to the
Point of physical conflict
And laugh and smile

Your ancestors have been disgraced
Don’t give me that lame talk
He/she don’t mean it that way
And spelling it different don’t change the pain
Disrespect is just that
Disrespect regardless of whose mouth it comes from

Do yourself the honor of true respect
To you and those who have endured the
Horrible plight, those who lost their lives
To give you those so called rights

Be real to you and Keep it even across the board
Set the standard others choose to ignore
Never allow anyone to address you
As less than you truly are
Demand and accept the
Virtue of Respect