Trailblazer Poem by LeeAnn Azzopardi

Long ago, at a fake pioneer village, my fifth grade class went to
We saw the Blacksmith forming iron into a horseshoe
As the sparks looked like shooting starsin the darken house
I thought I could be a blacksmith one day
"Would anyone like to try? " the Blacksmith asked
All the boys did, but I, the single girl,
Rose my hand softly and slowly
"Lee-Ann, only boys can be blacksmiths", replied the teacher
I felt the embarrassment grabbing my hand
Down with tears in my eyes
It would take three years, until I found a way
I thumbed my nose to Home Economics
Leaving the conservative 1980's behind
I tried my best and got a C
A few girls asked me at recess
"If I wanted a family? "
I said I wanted a career that took me far away from here-
Bad mistake
Those girls decided to start a rumour that I was gay
That followed me through high school
Itwould teach me to keep my true feelings inside
Attempted suicide many times to ease the pain
I scream in horror when I sleep at night
I just thought maybe the woman's movement
Would have an influence my generation
However, I realized one thing: I am a Trailblazer
Now, I can look at myself with pride
Because all those girls who started the lie are
With four or five kids working at McDonald's