Accepting Criticism

I can gladly accept a hundred pats
My chest with pride does swell
But even a single poke coated in honey
I don't digest very well

I love feedback in all forms
As long as they praise me well
As soon as they point out my short comings
Their immaturity I can easily tell!

How to take criticism?
My friend did recently ask
If I tell him how
Will he actually take me to task

Firstly I should not react
And blurt out my vindictive thoughts
I should take deep breaths
And let my waves of emotions ride out

Then with all humility understand
some good may come out of this jab
Won't I eventually get better
Hopefully without rehab!!

I will listen without pre-judging
And then let muddy water settle
Once it is clear,  I will ascertain
If its worth boiling over my kettle

I will clarify just in case
It was not a praise after all
Due to a few bad signals
No point driving into a wall

After time has done its job
And if I still think it is not true
Then I'll flush the criticism out
and focus on other feedbacks too

But if there is a grain of truth
I will thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Even if his intentions were evil
In my future success he has played a key part

Though easy to spell out
Living it, I may not be able to do
But with God's grace and wisdom
Hopefully I will make it through

°°°°°°°°Jibrael Jos
(Topic : Rajesh Paddy)
(Suggestions/edits: Renuka Marwah)