Monday, May 5, 2025

Criticism Kills - #WDYS #tanka #poem #poetry #poetrycommunity @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! For this week's What Do You See? prompt, Sadje invites us to use one of two images to write a poem. I chose to go with her second image even though both resonated with me. As someone who has lived with low self-esteem most of my life, I am always trying to uplift my students (and others) and help them see the beauty within them. I decided to write a tanka poem with a pivot on the fourth line.


(image credit; Fadly Hj Halim @Unsplash)

criticism kills
strips one of self-confidence
destroys inner strength
silence the negative voice
infuse your psyche with love


Would you like to write a poem about this image? Join us here.

22 comments:

  1. You’re absolutely right my friend. Criticism does destroys the self confidence, especially at a younger age. Building up the spirit requires kindness and patience. Thanks for joining in.
    Sadje

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  2. Oh, this is so true! Constructive criticism is one thing, but destructive criticism can be crippling. Love this poem, Yvette!

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    1. Thank you, Jan! I appreciate all your support. :-)

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  3. If no one else loves, love yourself.

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  4. Beautiful words of wisdom, Yvette 🥰

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  5. Works really well - good one, Yvette!

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    1. Thank you, Chris! I appreciate you visiting! :-)

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  6. If you have suffered low self esteem for most of your life....with your talent and looks.... then that means there are a lot of green eyed monsters who are jealous of you and want to tear you down otherwise they wouldn't bother unless they feel threatened. Takes a while to learn this one.

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    1. https://rallentanda.blogspot.com/2025/05/what-do-you-see-287.html

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    2. You're so kind, Rall! I appreciate your caring words. :-)

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  7. Well said! Brushing it aside can't be easy.

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    1. Keith's Ramblings, by the way!

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    2. It isn't, especially when the thoughts were on repeat in my head. I'm much better now. Thanks for stopping by, Keith! :-)

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  8. True... though the poem and comments are inspiring many other sideways thoughts too. Maybe a poem will come out of it for me at some point later today!

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    1. I would love to read whatever you create, Shaun! Thanks for visiting! :-)

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  9. It can be very disappointing as a younger person to not have the support of your family. Sometimes we have to that the opposite of what people say is true. We do have value and we can and will succeed - as you have so brilliantly done 💖

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    1. Thank you, Jules! It takes so little effort to be kind to others. I just wish everyone could understand that. Thanks for stopping by. :-)

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  10. Oh, this one takes me back to my childhood! Had my mom silenced the negativity, maybe I wouldn't have to navigate through my own self-loathing. Good write, Yvette!

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    1. I connect with our comment, Susi! We must choose to be agents of change and not repeat that cycle. Thanks for visiting! :-)

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I love comments, so please share your thoughts with me! :-)