Criticism

There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. ~ Aristotle

Courage. Audacity. Fortitude. Spunk.
It boils down to bravery,
to risking, to spunk, to temerity.
We can all avoid criticism
but if we try, we settle for ineffectiveness,
for blandness. As John said to Laodicea,
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish you were either one or the other!

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot
nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
We can avoid being criticized, but the cost
far exceeds the reward. Only if we are inert
can we succeed in that oh-so-questionable goal!
Do SOMETHING! Say SOMETHING!
Be SOMETHING!