Laurence C. Smith, Jr., PhD
Laurence C. Smith, Jr., PhD
Photo - hurricane - Tobago 2005
Copyright © 1984-2009 L.C.Smith, Jr.,  PhD
HURT

The feeling of hurt
arises from those who would judge
and those who would reject.

Oh how easy it is to judge
and pronounce the way life “should” be.
Criticism is a rampant disease
for which there is no known antitoxin.
It is volunteered without asking
it is “constructively” offered
And in each instant
it destroys self-image
stifling positive self-regard
growth and creativity.

All the hurt that is done under criticism
can be replaced
with love and acceptance
through support and nourishment.
Oh that the hurt from rejection
could be as easily removed
as that of criticism.
From the beliefs
of “Forever” and “Possession”
We allow ourselves in this life
to deny rejection
creating our own hurt
as “forever” isn’t
and “Possession” never was.

Only by seeing the flow of relationships
as gifts to be temporarily shared
can we release the hurt from rejection.

— LCS, jr.
Breckenridge
May 28, 1984
Music: "Tenneessee Waltz" performed
by Patti Page