To Those Who Unlearn (Poetry Form 71: Rispetto)

This is a Rispetto. It’s a Tuscan verse form used, usually, to give respect to a loved one.

To those who were conditioned to be hateful
Learnt prejudice and scorn from those who raised you
But question what you’ve learned – know that I’m grateful
I take this opportunity to praise you.
If you were raised unbigoted, that’s good
But you are doing no more than you should.
Respect to those whose thoughts are independent,
Whose attitude to others is transcendent!