respectable

arqios

 

Respectable

 

since you wanted me,
I ask myself—
to what point
did I become more respectable?

 

was it the mirror of your eyes,
the sudden weight of your touch,
the way my name sounded
different in your mouth?

 

or was it only illusion,
a costume stitched
from your desire,
a mask I wore
because you believed in it?

 

respectability—
a fragile crown,
bestowed, withdrawn,
never entirely mine.

 

and yet,
in that moment,
I stood taller,
as if your wanting
had remade me.

 

 

 

 

.

  • Author: crypticbard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: October 19th, 2025 04:51
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 22
  • Users favorite of this poem: Friendship
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Comments +

Comments4

  • sorenbarrett

    What a great topic Cryptic. I always viewed respectability as a zero sum game where no matter what you do you are only as good as the last thing you do and furthermore any bad perceived takes away something that can never be retrieved for the viewer never forgets and never forgives. Time becomes the enemy of the respected. With time the uncovering of past acts rusts the image of even the most respected for we are all human and error. Loved it and the provocation of thought that it inspired.

    • arqios

      That’s such a beautiful and powerful exposition dear Soren. Those that believe in us no matter what make us respectable. Perhaps, our very selves included πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

      • sorenbarrett

        Maybe just me but there are so few that believe no matter what. Maybe the core is believing in ourselves no matter what.

        • arqios

          Aye, that is essential as there is ourselves before others ever come into the picture. πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

        • Friendship

          Well written, the poem β€œRespectable” explores the complexities of self-identity and the ways in which love and desire can influence our perception of ourselves. It raises questions about authenticity versus the roles we play based on the expectations and desires of others.

          • arqios

            Thank you so much dear Friendship πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

            • Friendship

              You're most welcome, my friend.

              • arqios

                πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

              • Thomas W Case

                Fantastic work.

                • arqios

                  Thanks, Thomas. Most appreciated πŸ™πŸ»πŸ•ŠοΈ

                • Goldfinch60

                  Respect seems to have flown from our worlds Rik.

                  Andy



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