Perfection we strive for and always try to pursue

Is sometimes interrupted by things we say and do

Leaving us not always so proud of an altercation

Or an attempt at laying down lines of demarcation



It would be nice if we always achieved the ideal

For so much of life can be good if we do it all well

But sometimes little things happen we don't expect

Then those things are criticized in a way complex



And we then run off with our tail between our legs

For we've been belittled for something small pegged

And this undermines all of the good we've achieved

Causing us so much grief because of one small sneeze



Criticism can be handled well and in a thorough manner

But it must come from a good place thought thru channels

Then delivered in a way which won't cause defensiveness

Which so much of it does, when done without, to cause stress



There are ways which work at once constructive and supportive

Think about them well before delivering and they won't be abortive

Being open to some things which vastly improve what we want to say

Is different than being willing to accept being walked all over, anyday.



Christopher W. Thomas

9:15am Sunday 1/4/98