20 Comments
User's avatar
Dipti  Vyas's avatar

Nicole, first, thank you for the mention. It means a lot me to me to be named in the opening of a piece that carries so much of you. ❤️

This feels less like a poem about impostor syndrome and more like a reckoning with what happens when the ceiling finally breaks and you discover the room was never forbidden to you. I have so loved reading Curriculum of Feelings, and this poem feels like another doorway into that same landscape, the place where we question whether we belong even after we have already arrived.

The glass crown is such a powerful image. The fragments that once told you you don’t belong here become evidence that you made it through. And that final fear of heights… perhaps that is the strangest part of becoming: not learning how to climb, but learning how to remain when there is finally nothing above you to keep you small.

And yes, perhaps the fruit tastes like plum because sometimes the things we fear we have stolen were ours to taste all along.

Nicole's avatar

Thank you, Dipti! 🤗🌸

James Pabarue's avatar

I absolutely love your writing. Kudos!! I send your work to my friends, and my son who is a published poet. He also admires your art.

Nicole's avatar

Thank you so much, James!

Gary L Taylor's avatar

I really enjoyed this poem, Nicole. Wonderful writing.

Nicole's avatar

Thank you, Gary!

Greg Albrecht's avatar

Oh, to finally be free!

Nicole's avatar

Thank you, Greg!

Michael Gease's avatar

Grateful for your writing Nicole, and your message.

Nicole's avatar

Thank you, Michael!

David A. Rives's avatar

I don't think you're from this planet.

Nicole's avatar

Thank you, David! It was this or an essay. 🤣

The Next Chapter's avatar

Uhhmm Ma’Yum! Emphasis on the Yum! Because victory tastes delicious. Some would even say like Plums.

That glass ceiling though. Stood no chance when the ones meant to rise realized they could fly. Keep flying my darling. You’re going places

Nicole's avatar

Thank you so much!

Alicia's avatar

Such a good poem, Nicole.❤️

Nicole's avatar

Alicia, thank you!🤗❤️

What is it?'s avatar

On this wavelength with you today, Nicole! ;)

Nicole's avatar

Thank you!

Lynneth's avatar

Another Lynneth! Who is she - where do I find her?

Himanshu's avatar

I I absolutely love this! Your writing always gives me a deeper understanding of myself and the world. You have an incredible gift, Nicole. Thank you for sharing it.