We had respect for teachers then,
For lessons, rules, and guiding hands;
We knew that choices carried weight,
Like footprints pressed in classroom sands.
A careless word, a cheeky grin,
Would meet a consequence in time;
Not out of cruelty, not from spite,
But to teach the shape of wrong and right.
And none of us grew broken from
The boundaries we came to know;
They helped us stand, they helped us see
How decency and manners grow.
We learnt “please” and “thank you” too,
To listen when another spoke;
To show our elders simple grace,
Not treat respect as just a joke.
Now politeness feels a rarer thing,
A fading word, a quieter art;
But every kind and courteous soul
Still proves respect begins at heart.
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Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: September 21st, 2026 01:15
- Comment from author about the poem: What has happened to respect and politeness in this current time? The video is brilliant.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 25
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship
Offline)
Comments5
A fine write Gold. Yes, 'please' and 'thank you' have, for some, turned into grunts, or even no response at all; or a dirty look given to us for no reason.
Thank you Orchi.
A most important message clothed in wonderful meter and good rhyme. Very nice Gold
Thank you soren, most kind.
Andy
My pleasure Andy
Good stuff, teachers are now classed as facilitators cum tourist guides among other things. And the non-respecters don't even have an ounce of self-respect either. But that's my little gripe for the day.
Thank you Rik, yes so true.
Andy
Nicely written. Your poem revolves around the relationship between students and teachers, the significance of respect and politeness, and the moral education that occurs in a structured environment.
Thank you Friendship, much appreciated.
Andy
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