leaving me vulnerable
mean-spirited people
wielding their words like swords
cutting down others with every slash
my mood, once buoyed,
sinks whenever they’re around
accusatory phrases abound,
the blame game their main game
the attacks come out of nowhere
unprofessional and unwarranted remarks
leave me unaware of what I did wrong
(did I do something wrong?)
walking on eggshells,
avoiding at all costs
the saying goes,
don’t take criticism
from someone you wouldn’t take advice from,
yet the constant criticism and
hurtful words hurled at me
leaves me feeling vulnerable
questioning
unsure
even though I wouldn’t go to them for advice
why do I allow someone else
to have that much
power
over me?
am I too
sensitive?
I don’t think so.
my heart is happiest when i travel. read. write. connect. 
Oh those thoughtless words . Oh those cruel people. Why DO we allow others to have such power over us? Your poem is a powerful reminder to all of us. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks for the poem. I’ve been there too. Isn’t it amazing how many positive comments it takes to balance one rude message? It definitely makes me want to be more careful with my words.
Words matter, they cut quicker than they heal. Stay true to yourself and know that you have a good heart.
I am sorry you had to experience this. You are not too sensitive. You are human. Words hurt the heart, especially when you yourself have an open and caring heart.
I agree with the other commenters. Words hurt as much as they can heal. Stay strong and speak out if necessary.
Your poem really expresses that feeling, where our thoughts go round and round. I never before heard ‘don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from’ and I love it. But I also would have trouble heeding the advice when criticized…
Fabulous sounds in this poem! I was nodding along — to the music and the meaning!
I can’t believe how mean some people can be, you wonder how it gives them pleasure and are they even aware of what they’re doing? I hope you can stand strong and resist the urge to feel pulled down and condemned by thoughtless people. But the poem is amazing, it reads so well!