Feedback without the Sandwich

A feedback sandwich I never want to receive

When I hear feedback in this manner, what I perceive

Is that I have been manipulated or tricked

After receiving a smile to my face, in the back I’ve been kicked

I know feedback is necessary, especially if it is negative

But sandwiching it between two established positives does not give

The message the kind of cushion that is being attempted

I would prefer to be from the tasteless slices of bread, exempted..

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I like to receive brutally honest criticism, even if it stings

And when I have tried to deliver a feedback sandwich myself, it does not seem to ring

True or genuine, I am uncomfortable trying to hide

The real feedback, I can tell I sound insincere

And when I am sincere in my criticism, that’s not how I want to appear

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As someone who would call a spade a spade

I am uncomfortable with how social norms are made

To avoid conflict in all interactions, at all costs

In trying to appear polite, the real purpose of the interaction gets lost

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I prefer to get stung, process it and move beyond

The initial discomfort, then appropriately respond

To the constructive criticism and try to make

Changes to my behavior, correct my mistakes