I am a fighter, I am a warrior,
I am a survivor you see
But what lies behind that image
Is a very different me
Facing pressures to deliver
Crazy projections to achieve
Meeting deadlines of moving targets
Support demanded, but not received
When your value is pegged to performance
There’s no time to bask in what you’ve achieved
For its the results of the next delivery
Will only your worth be believed
So I’ve risen to those challenges,
Have taken on battles all around
Never ever a hint of hesitation
Or any vulnerability to be found
With confidence, strength and surety
I display my tiger stripes with pride
No signs of weakness or insecurity
That would lead to professional suicide
As I’ve faced down all those cynics
With the success I’ve proven to be
The hardest doubter to deal with
is the one that lives in me
The toughest battle to be fought
Will always one with one’s own self
The quietening of the heartbeat
Struggles with stress and mental health
Weighing heavily on these shoulders
Will always be fears never shared or shown
When you stand up as a fighter
It seems you always stand alone
