I am the Hurdle

I am the hurdle that needs to be cleared,
The stumbling block in the way.
All would be perfect if I disappeared;
A rainbow would rise every day.

I am the glitch and the knot in the chain,
The obstacle smack in the path.
Shutting me up would be everyone’s gain;
My words seem to whet people’s wrath.

I’m the impediment here to prevent
What progress there is to be made.
My purpose appears to provoke discontent,
Like a welcome that’s been overstayed.

Waking me up like a slap in the face
Is the knowledge of how I’m perceived –
As a hurdle to leap with no thought to embrace
Any truth in the thoughts I’ve believed.