Not Your Hero

I am going to say this unapologetically and without the disclaimer I often feel the need to include: I detest when people refer to teachers, nurses, or any other public servants as heroes. I find it even more egregious when they are likened to superheroes. 

That's not to say that I don't admire the hell out of people who continue to follow their calling and manage to do amazing things with very little, people who have had many of the vital resources stripped away and still pull off near miracles on a daily basis.  Do they do heroic things? Certainly. But, it's too much pressure to expect them to strap on a costume and complete feats of strength every single day.  

They shouldn't have to be heroes in the first place. In fact, calling them heroes seems like a way to placate them, to keep them going when we ask them to keep doing better while giving them less and less. 

This poem is dedicated to those people ready to step off a pedestal they never asked to be on. 

Not Your Hero

Don't call me a hero when I'm just following my calling--

I don't need that pressure.

Some days it's all I can do to just show up.

Maybe I inspire you, motivate you to follow your heart,

(that's secretly my ultimate goal)

but I'm not here to save you. 


Don't call me a hero just because I go above and beyond--

That's just good work ethic,

me being me, living authentically.

Maybe it sets a good example for others to follow,

(until they watch me crash and burn)

but it's not on me if they don't. 


Don't call me a hero when I champion for others, stand up for the vulnerable--

That's just me following my soul,

listening to that still, small voice that tells me to help.

Maybe my actions will create a ripple effect,

(I hope and pray they do)

but I have to let it go if they go unanswered. 


I can care deeply, share my bounty, lift you up,

but I'm not here to save you. 


I'm not your hero. 


*A special shout out to the Write Around the Corner members for inspiring this piece and reinforcing my gut feeling that this message--while most likely not a popular one--needed to be put out there. 

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