It is sad to know

my respect has been

wasted on those afraid

to see what is before

and within.

So hesitantly given,

a battle long waged.

And the victors squandered

their bounty with nary a thought.

Loyalty and respect can only be stretched

So far.

Now you look down your nose,

While complaining of similar treatment.

As perplexed, I sit back and try to understand

What went wrong.

Are you also one to mistake my silence

For ineptitude?

A classic mistake, most are broken of;

Are you worth the effort of showing,

or should I allow you to live

In your sheltered little world that solely exists

to rotate around you and your ideas?