Tall Poppy Syndrome
As if your blooming stole from them.
Sprout through your thick skin.
Throw off the weight of suffocating rubble.
Grasp and stretch and unfurl blindly.
Weave and chase your compass dutifully north: spiral forwards, upwards, towards.
And burst onto the scene! Unfold into every free inch.
Breathe, take up space, press out ironed-in creases.
Lean into abundance as your purpose is realised;
A flaming brushstroke against the landscape from which you were birthed.
A still fragile rebel, revel beyond the ordered line.
.
And yet.
Heads below snap upwards, green.
Wilt! They spit. Or else heads will roll.
For those who flourish invite the blight of envy.
Come at you with scissors they do, to
Cut. You. Down. To. Size.
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander
English teacher
Short stories and poems📚
Please be honest- I would love your constructive feedback, as it's the only way I'll get better. Would rather it was pointed out so I can improve!
Currently writing James The Wonderer
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
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Comments (5)
This is outstanding, Joe! Such beauty in the face of such negativity. Every line was done so well! The whole last stanza was a succession of real dazzlers
Ouch...poor poppy! Happens because they stand out....jealousy abounds
Wow, this is awesome. Love the flow, structure, and word choice throughout. beautifully done! Also, I admire your choice of theme. Framing the joy of living boldly and thriving against the possible jealousy and bitterness of others in the field. Feels very courageous and inspiring In first half and a little bitter and warning in the second, but very authentic and true to life.
Oooo, else heads will roll, I especially loved that!
you have written it beautifully loved it....very nice...keep it up...and also check my work out too