Have you noticed
how some people
watch
(and wait)
for others
to make mistakes?
Hovering
in the shadows,
on high alert,
hoping to catch
that
exact
moment—
delighting
when they find themselves
in the right place
at the right time—
gratified
to be the one
to step in
and point it out—
like a scorpion,
scurrying out
from behind a rock
to strike and run away.
Today I saw this happen:
not the pounce,
but the aftermath—
when an exceedingly kind person
(a lovely person
with the best
of intentions)
fell all over herself,
apologizing
(publicly)
for an oversight
that was NOT a big deal,
but
which had
obviously
been pointed out to her
in a way
that made her
feel
that it was a
big
deal.
And all I can think about,
sitting here,
late in the day,
is my lovely colleague
at home,
nursing that bite—
instead of warming
in the glow of appreciation
everyone else
feels for her.
Is it even possible
now
to shift the focus
for her
away from
that mistake that does not matter
(that should never have been mentioned!)
to the
magic
she made
that matters
so much?
This month I am sharing a slice of life a day in community with Two Writing Teachers Blog during the March Slice of Life Story Challenge.
So very beautifully written. It is a delicate yet devastating reminder of the power we have to affect others’ lives with our words and actions. I love how the picture goes with your poem as well. Thanks for choosing to write it as a poem.
Amy,
This is a great question for life:
“Is it even possible
now
to shift the focus
for her
away from
that mistake that does not matter
(that should never have been mentioned!)
to the
magic
she made
that matters
so much? ”
Why, oh why, and I totally ask for me because this can often be me,
do we feel like we need to point out errors? It really is NOT constructive criticism.
It’s criticism – “the scorpion’s sting”
Wow — that’s my first thought. Wow at the well crafted poem that had me feeling like I needed to send a hug. Wow at the way those bites can cause lasting hurt. The line “nursing that bit instead of warming in the glow of appreciation” – powerful.
This is so well written and so powerful. What made you decide to create a poem out of this topic? It was such a great way to share the experience. You are so compassionate. I feel so sad for the person who was hurt (and the person relishing in the hurt – that’s just a sad way to exist).
Running to School 
Beautifully written. I hope, perhaps writing your well crafted missive can help her see the magic she truely makes. Look what you created from it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s certainly a silver lining—thanks!
LikeLike
So very beautifully written. It is a delicate yet devastating reminder of the power we have to affect others’ lives with our words and actions. I love how the picture goes with your poem as well. Thanks for choosing to write it as a poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Some slices just ask to be written in verse, don’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy,
This is a great question for life:
“Is it even possible
now
to shift the focus
for her
away from
that mistake that does not matter
(that should never have been mentioned!)
to the
magic
she made
that matters
so much? ”
Why, oh why, and I totally ask for me because this can often be me,
do we feel like we need to point out errors? It really is NOT constructive criticism.
It’s criticism – “the scorpion’s sting”
Carrying this question . . . thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow — that’s my first thought. Wow at the well crafted poem that had me feeling like I needed to send a hug. Wow at the way those bites can cause lasting hurt. The line “nursing that bit instead of warming in the glow of appreciation” – powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so well written and so powerful. What made you decide to create a poem out of this topic? It was such a great way to share the experience. You are so compassionate. I feel so sad for the person who was hurt (and the person relishing in the hurt – that’s just a sad way to exist).
LikeLike