
I shake off the remark, the subtle insinuation
The display of feigned solidarity for my situation
I shrug off the insult cleverly disguised
Reinforce my thicker skin, as advised
By well-wishers, mentors, managers, administrators
To keep my sanity in a world that caters
To the ego of men in power everywhere
I cannot complain about treatment unfair
I am sensitive to constructive criticism
I have to blur my lens of feminism
This is what they tell me- it’s all in my head
I should focus on being more pleasant instead
I should not voice what I think I need
I should feel fortunate to be in my shoes indeed
**
I am jaded listening to this constant refrain
I have learnt to ignore that nagging pain
I allow some tears in my office behind a closed door
Quickly regain composure, though wounded to the core
I can do this, strength within myself I shall find
I tell myself, as I channel my focused mind
Into producing high quality work yet again
This is how my heart and mind I train
The only tool I have is my fortitude
That will determine my altitude..
‘I shake off the remark’–you are a stronger person than I. This was the passive-aggressive behavior we had at work. My coworkers and I wound up bitching about it together just to get it out of our systems. Toxic environment at its finest…
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