The Casual Cruelty of Positive Intentions - by Michael Mallows

Originally intended to complement our issue on Bridging Differences, it was decided that this poem was equally, if not more, pertinent to the current theme of relationships.

Michael evidently intended his verse to bear on the parent/child relationship, but we can also identify some connection with his own experiences as a facilitator and trainer.  It depicts some very common patterns of behaviour and cause for self-analysis, if not concern, on the part of those who treat the healing of others as a resource for avoidance of their own self-awareness.

The editors wish to make it clear that they are not literary critics and do not presume to judge the literary merit of any of the contributions received for this section.   Martial said: "He does not write at all whose poems no man reads."  And to Wilson Mizner is attributed "Poets are born, not paid".

Our contributors would be delighted to receive feedback on their verse, whether praising or damning, because all feedback is positive and the evidence that the work has been read will be payment enough.  Comments by e-mail please to poetry@nurturingpotential.net.  Better yet, send us some poetry of your own.