when someone 
makes a comment
shares an opinion
provides a suggestion
offers their perception

do not let your many pores 
absorb it through your skin
into bloodstream red to cycle
right inside your beating heart

no matter who they are

without pausing to evaluate
the truth, the application
or validity
of their words

—always reflect upon
the opinions of others  
rather than leaping
to internalisation

heather pound 2025