The Glass Ceiling

When the sun hits,

As if on queue,

The glass ceiling reflects,

The most unusual hue.

-

I stare at the cracks,

Each formed by my hand,

Its integrity flawed,

No more to withstand.

-

It seems such a shame,

That it needs to shatter,

The prerequisite to mark,

A woman that matters.

-

What seemed like an obstacle,

Now more like shelter,

Once broken through,

No more the protector.

-

Hammer in hand,

It trembles and shakes,

One more swing,

And I’ve sealed my fate.

-

You did it, now go,

Enjoy your success.

It’s not what I thought,

I start to confess.

-

Potential, they said.

That’s what you’ve got,

Go forth and be great,

Lest you should rot.

-

You were destined for more,

Your fire burns red,

How funny, my flame,

Appears to be dead.

-

Power and title,

Money and possession,

Key contributors,

In life’s great lesson.

-

The ceiling you broke,

Can’t be repaired,

Exposing you now,

Vulnerable, unprepared.

-

The pressure’s too much,

It’s dousing the flame,

Drowning my spirit,

In thick heavy rain.

-

What if success,

Isn’t what they say?

The lies that we’re told,

Beginning to fray.

-

If I walk my own path,

Do I still matter?

No hammer to swing,

No ceiling to shatter.

-

What if my profession,

Is just to create?

No suit, phone or briefcase,

Just hope and blind faith.

-

What if potential,

To me means different,

What if success,

Is not title dependant.

-

I removed my own barrier,

Tore down my wall,

Shattered that ceiling,

And now, I stand tall.

-

A brand new day,

And brand new dawn,

Obstacles of the past,

Now shattered and gone.

-

As light reflects prisms,

Of colour in spectrum,

I catch my first glimpse,

Of my brand new reflection...