Respect is a value that transcends cultures, ages, and personal backgrounds. In poetry, it is often explored as a core theme of human interaction, self-identity, and social harmony. From poems of personal reflection to those calling for collective societal changes, poets throughout history have sought to capture the essence of respect. In this article, we will explore 15 famous poems about respect—some well-known, others less familiar—that emphasize the importance of mutual admiration, kindness, and understanding in various forms. Each poem is accompanied by an excerpt and an analysis to provide a deeper understanding of its message.
1. “If—” by Rudyard Kipling (1910)
Excerpt:
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling’s “If—” is a poem about personal integrity and respect for others and oneself. In this famous work, Kipling explores the qualities of a person who has learned to navigate challenges with dignity and respect. The poem calls for self-confidence, but also for patience and understanding when dealing with the doubts and failures of others. It teaches respect for oneself as the foundation for respectful interactions with others. The emphasis is on remaining calm, rational, and respectful, even in the face of adversity.
2. “Respect” by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1837)
Excerpt:
“A man is to carry himself in the presence of all opposition as if every thing were respectful to him.”
Analysis:
In this brief yet profound poem, Emerson addresses the concept of respect as something inherent to an individual’s self-worth. For Emerson, respect is a mirror of self-confidence. If a person respects themselves, others will naturally follow suit. The poem emphasizes that respect is not given freely or indiscriminately—it must be earned by one’s actions, integrity, and ability to maintain dignity in difficult situations. Through this reflection, Emerson encourages readers to practice self-respect as the gateway to gaining respect from others.
3. “The Golden Rule” by Anonymous
Excerpt:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Analysis:
This famous axiom, often attributed to various cultures and religions, serves as a poetic encapsulation of mutual respect. Though it is technically not a traditional poem, it holds the poetic quality of an enduring moral lesson. The Golden Rule advises individuals to treat others with the same kindness, dignity, and understanding they wish to receive. In doing so, it promotes a world where respect is not only expected but shared in an equal exchange.
4. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou (1978)
Excerpt:
“You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
Analysis:
Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” is a powerful declaration of resilience and respect. In this poem, Angelou speaks to the struggle for personal dignity in the face of societal oppression and disrespect. The poem, which has become an anthem for self-empowerment, is a call for maintaining one’s respect and self-worth despite being treated with contempt or injustice. The repeated refrain “still I rise” is a testament to the strength that comes from self-respect and the refusal to be diminished by others’ negativity.
5. “The Poet’s Corner” by Anne Sexton (1969)
Excerpt:
“The poet is not a maker of words.
The poet is the keeper of silence.
He opens his mouth when the silence falls,
And he speaks out of it, and from it.”
Analysis:
In “The Poet’s Corner,” Anne Sexton reflects on the role of the poet as both a preserver and a challenger of societal norms. This poem delves into the respect a poet has for the silence, the space where true reflection and understanding happen. Sexton’s message is that respect for silence is key to respect for others. Words can often be disruptive, but silence holds the key to wisdom and respect. Through her poem, Sexton invites us to recognize the value of quiet observation and thoughtful expression.
6. “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1838)
Excerpt:
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Analysis:
“A Psalm of Life” is a motivational poem that encourages individuals to live with purpose, leaving a legacy of respect and dignity. Longfellow suggests that respect is earned by leading a life that inspires others. The poem’s message is that by living with intention, we can shape our legacy and show respect to future generations. Respect, in this sense, is an ongoing cycle—it is not just about the present but how we affect the world around us in the long term.
7. “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Extract) by Harper Lee
Excerpt:
“But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”
Analysis:
This excerpt, while from a novel rather than a poem, contains powerful poetic elements and deals with themes of respect and equality. Atticus Finch, the moral backbone of To Kill a Mockingbird, expresses the fundamental notion that in a truly just society, all individuals should be treated with respect. This excerpt emphasizes that respect comes from fairness and equality—core values of democratic societies. The poem-like narrative conveys that respect for justice is an essential pillar of respect for humanity.
8. “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks (1960)
Excerpt:
“We real cool. We
Left school. We
Lurk late. We
Strike straight.”
Analysis:
Gwendolyn Brooks’ “We Real Cool” explores the lives of young people who reject societal expectations. Though they seem to show disrespect for conventional rules, Brooks captures the inner struggles and search for respect that many young people face. The poem’s rhythm and structure suggest defiance but also an undercurrent of vulnerability and the desire for respect in their own way. It highlights how respect can sometimes be misunderstood or misdirected, and how personal identity can be formed in opposition to societal norms.
9. “The Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann (1927)
Excerpt:
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
Be on good terms with all persons.”
Analysis:
Max Ehrmann’s “The Desiderata” is a meditative poem that advocates for respectful living through inner peace and outward kindness. The poem calls for respect in one’s interactions with others, urging individuals to avoid unnecessary conflict and to seek harmony. It presents respect as an active, daily practice that involves treating others with care and thoughtfulness, irrespective of external circumstances.
10. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost (1916)
Excerpt:
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Analysis:
While Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” is often interpreted as a reflection on choice and individuality, it also speaks to respect—respect for one’s personal journey. The poem suggests that true respect comes from following one’s unique path, even if it goes against the grain of societal expectations. In choosing the “road less traveled,” the speaker gains respect for his decision to honor his individual values rather than conforming to external pressures.
11. “I, Too” by Langston Hughes (1926)
Excerpt:
“I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.”
Analysis:
Langston Hughes’ “I, Too” is a powerful poem about racial equality and respect. Hughes uses the metaphor of the kitchen to represent societal segregation, but he prophesies a time when African Americans will be recognized and respected equally in American society. The poem asserts that respect cannot be denied based on race, and it insists that equality is an inevitable and just outcome. Hughes’ hopeful tone reminds readers of the importance of mutual respect and dignity.
12. “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley (1875)
Excerpt:
“I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”
Analysis:
“Invictus,” a poem about perseverance and inner strength, emphasizes self-respect in the face of adversity. Henley, who wrote this poem while recovering from a serious illness, speaks to the indomitable human spirit that maintains dignity and respect even in the darkest of times. The final lines, “I am the master of my fate,” highlight the power of self-respect to shape one’s life, no matter the challenges.
13. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)
Excerpt:
“He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.”
Analysis:
Though this poem is often associated with holiday cheer, it carries a deeper message about respect for tradition and generosity. St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, is portrayed as a figure of respect, admired by children and adults alike for his selflessness and joy-giving nature. His respect for others is embodied in the quiet, anonymous delivery of gifts, reinforcing that respect often comes through actions rather than words.
14. “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Extract) by Harper Lee
Excerpt:
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
Analysis:
This excerpt from To Kill a Mockingbird is a metaphor for respect for life, innocence, and all beings. The mockingbird represents purity and kindness, and the poem (or excerpt) warns against destroying what is harmless and beautiful. The notion that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” teaches respect for innocence and the importance of nurturing rather than destroying what is good in the world.
15. “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1818)
Excerpt:
“And on the pedestal, these words appear:
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Analysis:
In “Ozymandias,” Shelley presents a reflection on the impermanence of power and the importance of respect for others, regardless of their status. The ruined statue of Ozymandias serves as a reminder that those who seek to impose their will on others often find that time and humility will strip them of their power. The poem speaks to the transient nature of human achievement and the ultimate respect that should be paid to time and humility, rather than arrogance.
Conclusion
These 15 poems, though varied in tone, style, and theme, all speak to different aspects of respect—whether it’s respect for oneself, for others, or for the world at large. Respect is both a personal and societal value, and poets have long used their craft to explore its importance. From the resilience of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” to the quiet dignity of Kipling’s “If—,” these poems inspire us to recognize and uphold respect in all its forms.
