Reach for the Stars
Growing up we never really had a lot
At the time we were happy, so it mattered not a jot
Oblivious to the challenges that soon would lie in store
If we wanted to give ourselves a chance of having a bit more
In our formative years it never really stood out
Surrounded by class peers, not realising we would need to shout
Louder than we could possibly ever have imagined
Just to get a fair crack of the whip, we simply hadn’t fathomed
Although we always had books while at school
We never had money to buy them as a general rule
A lot of my time in my youth was spent in the library
Learning new words, as I looked to find my way
Words and language, always a passion of mine
Though it would take many years before I got my chance to shine
Owning our own house was something we never conceived
Too far out of reach for us to have ever believed
We were happy just to have a roof over our head
Our parents sleeping in the living room on a sofa bed
Sacrificing their privacy, and individual space
Demonstrating altruism, dignity and never ending grace
Our time together as a family was adversely impacted
Working multiple jobs with shifts that were often protracted
Just to make ends meet, not even for wealth
Oblivious to the toll it was taking on their health
We never considered the thought of going abroad on our holidays
In fairness that was the case for our peers, at least for most
We knew that they’d be limited, the general scope of opportunities
We’d be thankful for a weeks jaunt down the beautiful Scottish coast
We navigated our way through school, every one of us done well
Our results outperformed expectations, even if we had to go through hell
One of my enduring memories of my time when I was at school
Was the doubtful, derisory comments, and blatant ridicule
‘You’ll never amount to anything’ I was told at a very early age
No matter how hard I worked, or the efforts I made to assuage
To make my teachers believe I was capable of touching the stars
Of pushing past the boundaries, and going so very far
Rather than allow these hurtful words to stifle me
I took on board the challenge, I’ll excel, just wait and see
I rolled up my sleeves and worked as hard as I was able
To move up the groups, up to the top table
When the time finally arrived to move to the big school
I went to one full of discipline, with many strict rules
My parents sent me to a different institution from all of my friends
To give me a better chance of succeeding by the time I reached the end
Their decision turned out to be sagaciously wise
Helping propel me towards an academic rise
Though my passion for my studies meant I was ridiculed by my peers
Cultural bias saw me treated like a fool, leaving me close to tears
Attitudes around me, limiting and self-perpetuating
Views that could almost be described as self-hating
When I decided my ambition was to go to university
People around me shot me down, seeing it as cause for hilarity
This only made me more determined, my talent to showcase
To prove them all wrong, and rightly secure my place
When I started my course, I instantly felt exclusion
It was palpable, and obvious, and left me under no illusion
That some didn’t believe that I should be there
As if I was an invader, an alien, an unwelcome imposter
My accent was distinctive, quite clearly working class
They made it very obvious that they found this to be crass
I was made to feel like nothing, marginalised to the side
I was determined to prove to the doubters I wasn’t just there for the ride
The rolling eyes when they heard me speak, made it clear they didn’t rate
I’d let my work do the talking, let them underestimate!
At first it was a struggle, a lot of work to take on
But I adapted and evolved, and became academically strong
The highest mark in my class at the end of my first year
When the lecturer announced the result, I let out a silent cheer
Successfully navigated my degree, and got a decent mark
Though I’d need to up the ante If I was going to embark
On an honours year fraught with additional challenge
I’d need to work doubly hard or end up on the fringe
I poured my heart and soul into writing my dissertation
When I saw the result, I was filled with jubilation
I’d secured a result that was enough to gain entry
To do a masters course, to fight another day
At that point, my hopes were dashed, I hit a complication
It stopped me in my tracks, and caused terrible frustration
The offer letter came through and gave me false hope
I couldn’t afford the fees, there simply wasn’t scope
By then I had a house and bills to pay
Had to take whatever job came my way
I’d get to where I wanted to be, just had to show patience
Hoped opportunities would come my way, not caring about the pretence
Fortunately they did, my work ethic and innovation stood out
Gave me just what I needed, collateral and clout
Ended up working jobs I found challenging and fulfilling
Fortunately for me they paid quite a few shillings
If I was to give advice to my younger self
I’d say don’t listen to the doubters no matter what your telt’
I’d say invest in yourself and believe in your dreams
No matter how far out of reach at face value they seem
Don’t limit the scope of what you think is possible
You’re more than good enough to overcome any obstacles
Don’t let your background hold you back, you’re a new generation
I hope you’ve found this little rhyme provide some inspiration
The Weegie wordsmith 