“Usted-es” [Spanish writing series]

Vuestra” (your), or “o” at times;
Merced (es)”, is a car sublime;
When put together means, “Your grace”;
Contracted down gives present case.

For “Usted” (that contracted word),
Is daily spoken, daily heard
In languages of romance type;
Tu” for one’s kin, or friends is right.

But “Usted” or Ustedes” is
A “softener” in social biz;
In Costa Rica used a lot;
The Romans gave what we’ve now got.

It started “Ego” (I) and “tu
Then upper-class made shift into
The “Royal we” – “Nos”, (French said “Nous”,
Then followed up with Royal “Vous”).

Self-deprecation soon caught on –
In Portugal, “Your worship” found
Its place by using term, “Your grace” –
Usted”, Ustedes” in our case.

Now there is great variety
With subtle meanings, yes siree;
But hey! A softer form of speech
Puts nicer tone within one’s reach.

Thanks Lord for this.

Navigation