I Respect You

I gave you respect, like a crown made of gold,

Spoke your name softly, in stories untold.

Even when silence was breaking me strong.

I cared for your soul as if it were mine,

Lit candles for you so your darkness could shine.

I listened to pain you could never confess,

And carried your storms while I wore no dress of stress.

I held your secrets like pearls in my hand,

Defended your name when others took a stand.

I prayed for your smile more than I did for my own,

But in my kindness, the truth was never shown.

You took my love like it was owed,

Walked away smiling while my heart overflowed.

You wore my trust like a borrowed coat,

But left me drowning without a boat

I called you family, I called you friend,

I thought your loyalty would never bend.

But the mask you wore began to fade,

And the truth of your heart was coldly displayed.

I see it now — not all love is returned,

Not all lessons are gently learned.

You were not worthy of the crown I gave,

Not worthy of the tears I tried to save.

I will not beg, I will not plead,

I will not water a thankless seed.

For my love is rare, my respect is true,

And I’ll save it now… for those who value it too.