The clock stroke midnight
You were still in the lab
Tears climbed out of your eyes
Checking what you’ve done with your life
You said it’s for the love of science
But Tears started to laugh
“Remember the broken heart pieces that you count to go to sleep?”
You didn’t want to argue
As you stopped the count long ago
They kept breaking down further
You just couldn’t see the point
You busily looked after everyone
But nobody looked after you
As you are not a valuable student
As you are not a valuable PI
You dreamed your enthusiasm could outlive reality
You trapped yourself in the abyss
Really sky is the limit
Yet you couldn’t see a light
“But there are positive changes!”
You argued, holding onto the last straw
“Yes!” roared Tears.
“But the stats ended your career long before your start!”
You were brought down to your knees by the shards of the words
You were reminded of the pain when your heart shattered to pieces
Your body finally gave up on you as you’ve abused it day and night
You desperately wanted to find the young scientist you used to be
Alas, no one would choose to stay
“Darling, if you truly love science,
stop fooling yourself.
It’s not your job to carry the system and it’d be arrogant for you to try.
Be healthy and happy first,
then you can do the science fair.
You don’t know how bitter science is
when produced by broken hearts…”
Tears’ voice drying out as you collected yourself together
“It’s time to leave,
for the love of science.
Look after yourself,
you’ve only got one life”
My dear fellow postdocs,
if this is you,
remember,
remember,
that science needs you,
to live a happy life
by Lizi New
#StopAsianHate
