Written by Laura Benn
For Pete’s sake,
do not put me on a pedestal,
for I am too weary
to descend such lofty heights
after playing a match
I did not choose to participate in.
I do not want a tin foil medal
itching and pulling
at the nape of my neck
or an extra tacky, plasticky
gold star
that mysteriously appears
two days later
stuck to the bottom of my sock,
digging into my sole.
Although I do admit a penchant
for pretty sparkly things,
this is not winning.
Still, I would rather take
a hundred of your shiny
stabby stickers
than hear you whisper
the dreaded r-word:
resilience.
Eyes will roll.
Sooner or later you will haggle
for my voice—
“How did you triumph
against such odds?
What’s your strategy?
How much for an inspiration formula?
Can you throw in a pithy slogan
and a slide or two?
We’ll give you the t-shirt!”
I am the example,
the quirky illustration,
the endearing anomaly
that walked into the door frame
and came away with a weird
success shaped bruise;
I am the advocate,
the teacher,
the baker,
the candlestick maker
who accidentally left the candles
too close to the fire.
But I was not made to hold your glare.
I was born into this rigged racket
and just wanted to be.
I am trying to be.
Let me be.
Love, Pete x
Text © Laura Benn
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