A poem about the hypocrisy of people who abuse someone, then criticize that person for showing the effects of their abuse.
Respect*
You verbally, physically, and sexually . . . abuse me.
And, of being nuts—and a slut—falsely accuse me.
Then hide . . . behind your crosses. Your wealth and . . . your gold rings.
And your titles. And your land. And your fancy clothes and things.
And all o’ your other . . . so-called signs . . . of respectability.
I’ll respect you . . . when you respect me.
*First published on MindFreedom.org, 2008.
Copyright 2008 by Liz Purcell.