Dinosaurs in the Office

If a woman gains promotion, it is often then assumed

It wasn't her ability, but other things that loomed

Within the HR process, to push her to the front;

So many able women find they have to bear the brunt

Of snide remarks that indicate they only got the post

Because they smiled and flirted with the manager the most.

Their looks are made the target of men's envy, hate and bile;

It's whispered that they charmed the boss with all their female guile.

It's hinted that they soon will fail, and they will never cope,

Although it's really obvious this is just a jealous hope.

They risk being called by vicious names, though never to their face,

By men who feel they've stepped outside a woman's proper place,

Especially if they're fairly young, attractive and quite smart,

It's put about behind their backs this played a major part

In getting them promotion, for it can't be based on skills;

Their dislike of a woman boss so often overspills,

In words which have no place today in any field of life,

But in some major offices, their presence still is rife.

Though most men now are modern and support all women's rights

And treating them as equals is just one of their delights,

Equality's still not arrived, and often won’t be found

In any institution which has dinosaurs around;

Whether they are young or old, a woman can’t expect

That she will there be treated with good manners and respect.