The Bridge

 

 Australia says NO to violence against women

We WON’T tolerate bullying in the health force 

We will not let this be

That’s what I thought too

Until it happened to me

 

‘You get what you give’

A motto I’d say it’s mostly true

But sometimes people will find a way to try and make you suffer

No matter what good you do

 

So I tried not to take it personally

And not let cynicism  seep in

While trying to process emotions 

And somehow take it all on the chin

 

But the systems let me down

I clearly was not heard

They didn’t just ignore me

They kicked me to the curb

 

I know I’m fairly strong

And am reasonably self assured

But when I later stood on that bridge

That was sturdy and secure…

 

It felt like the gap between the rails and the ocean widened

And as though the foundation would give way

But when no one else looked scared

I realised I was not okay

 

I wanted to crawl

Instead, I looked ahead and cried

Taking wobbly shuffles slowly

To eventually get to the other side

 

If you speak up—for the greater good

Some people won’t want to hear it

And they will ensure there is a price you pay

I’d rather not be a martyr

But it’s in my DNA

 

They can do as they like

To try and burn me at the stake

I cannot control what they do

Because it’s their choice to make

 

But God knows I can commit to paper

God knows that I can fight

They cannot take away my voice

Because that’s my given right