This is a reminder

that you are Head of Department

in the largest, most complex

and vital organisation in the world.

Specifically, you are in charge

of the people who will ensure

the continued success

of this organisation.

Every day you negotiate peace

between warring factions.

Haggle over contracts,

keep your end of the bargain

and make sure everyone

gets to bed, clean, fed

and with the correct teddy bear

in their possession.

You mastermind crisis meetings,

fundraisers, dinners. On any given morning

you can whip up a Willy Wonka

or Fantastic Mr Fox outfit in under five minutes.

Everyone in the company has the freedom

to explore their creativity, knowing

you will scoop the mess up afterwards.

Forgive me, if I get het up sometimes.

I wish you’d stop trying

to maintain invincibility

and invisibility simultaneously.

I wish you'd realise

it is impossible to pay

you an adequate wage.

I wish you’d realise

there is no point waiting

for others to notice.

Your children will only thank you

at some indeterminate point

in a far-off future.

They’re so lucky you don’t

just drop everything.

But you wouldn’t. You never

let this department down,

and the only person

who thinks otherwise

is yourself.

In this matter, you are wrong.

You will have to take it from me

that without you,

the world would actually stop.

You are Head of Department

in the largest, most complex

and vital organisation in the world,

and sometimes this responsibility breaks you.

Let it. There is an even stronger person

waiting inside to emerge.

A woman you had no idea

you could become.

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