Professionals

Dear Professionals,

what do you expect from me? I will only ever be me.

you wear your suits, appear on time, pay attention.

you stay away from social media, you act proper, you act kind.

But what do you expect from me? I will only ever be me.

you think you earned your job because you went to school.

you think you can judge my appearance when I enter your office, entering your rule.

Tell me to sit down, notice the sound of my phone going off.

analyze my hand shake, shake your head at my dark eyeliner.

analyze my eye contact, contact your assistant while I wait patiently.

analyze my awkward seated position, position your eyes on my resume.

I've done it all, I've went to school.

I paid tuition, just to pay more bills.

I've done it all, but cant you see

the life of professionalism is not for me.

I am respectful and I'm on time,

but to cover tattoos, change my views

and hide my personal life is something I just cant do.

I work my hardest, do my best

but don't expect me to stay at the desk.

I want to live, want to be me,

this office, money, and credibility is not for  me.

This profession is not my peace, so don't try to define me,

but hire me! to see, I will do my job, because society will say.

But don't expect me to stay when I'm on my way.

I will never gain seniority,

work is simply not my priority.

I've lived to work and you must work to live,

so dear professional, do not change me, let me live...

even if only on Saturdays sunshine...

I will live

Reviews

[Teresa J. Rappaport]

Very true. I love the message behind this poem