Reciprocity

Certain rights from birth are inherently imbued

To never be slandered or assaulted or abused.

Though these rights are yours, consider them a lease,

Contingent on respecting pursuits of happiness and peace.

To insult another, may leave you exposed

To a sharp tongued retort from those you have imposed.

To raise your voice at someone, to verbally abuse,

May leave your ears ringing when a screaming match ensues.

To strike someone in anger no matter what the slight

Allows them to strike you, for you forgo your right.

If you imprison someone then gather up your bail

For you have given up the right to not be sent to jail.

I will never yell at you if you have not renounced your right

But I will never take abuse gently into the goodnight

I will never escalate, but if you do you will find

Anything you do to me will be returned to you in kind.