R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I saw her just yesterday, the paragon Of all that a woman could be. Tall and tan, Proud and proper, short hair, not butch, A beautiful woman dressed to the nines, Dripping confidence like an empress. A lessor man would have ran and hid For surely this was a lady And would have no need for a man. I offered a sincere compliment Fully expecting an icy reply If afforded one at all. For my trouble, Her face lit up like a prom queen, Flashing me a smile that warmed my soul. Gracious and appreciative, I saw this woman anew. She was beautiful inside And could not hide it on her countenance. I could hold a door for this lady as she understands That a simple act of respect cannot make her less, Any more than her grace makes me less than I am. Oh modern woman, is respect what you want? Don’t demand it, Command it! This is not a zero-sum game, Ladies! You cannot, No, must not trade your feminity, The best of your womanhood, for your worthy goals. You can be beautiful without being synthetic; Demure without being the prude; Strong without being brusque; Accept help without becoming dependent; Be natural but not a sloven; Flirtacious without being easy. Confident but not cocky; You can melt men like butter. You hold all the cards! Now, let’s get you that respect!