Honor, Integrity and Respect

Honor, Integrity and Respect

I do not expect honor from others, but I try to live well in the world.
I do not expect integrity from others, but I try to keep true to my word.
I do not expect respect from others, but I try to accept others as they are.

I do not expect honor from others, for they have not acted honorably to me.
I do not expect integrity from others, for they did not keep the words given to me.
I do not expect respect from others, for I have not been accepted for who and what I am.

I do not expect honor from others, but I show them what honor I have.
I do not expect integrity from others, but I keep the promises I give them.
I do not expect respect from others, but I respect them for the lives they choose.

I do not expect honor from others, what they offer is a tarnished cup that bitters the wine I have fermented.
I do not expect integrity from others, what they offer is a tattered basket that rots the fruit I have grown.
I do not expect respect from others, what they offer is a rusted bowl that sours the milk I have gathered.

I do not expect honor from others, but how succulent a gift when received.
I do not expect integrity from others, but how happy to accept when offered.
I do not expect respect from others, but thank you for your respect.

I do not expect honor, integrity or respect from life.
For life's only honor is in birth - life's only integrity is in living - life's only respect is in death.
I expect none of these from others.