Expectations

What are these things

That are bearing down on me?

A presumption, a promise,

A probability.

That I'll grow up,

with a Ph.D

In engineering, or healing,

or psychology.

Now why should I listen?

Why should I care?

I don't have to eat your apples

When I can eat my own pear.

I don't really want to sit

In an office all day,

Looking at the same screen,

And waiting for my pay.  

So what's holding me back?

What won't let me soar?

The fear of my dreams,

becoming a bore?

Or maybe my parents

With all their support,

Trying to make them proud

And then falling short.   

But what did they tell me?

What did they let me know?

That they're proud of me, 

Wherever I go.

I hope it's true,

But I can't help feeling,

These unearthly expectations,

That always keep me reeling.

I guess I'll just tackle them,

Going 1 by 1,

Checking off more and more

Until there are none. 

An impossible task,

One I can never outrun,

No more fighting or flighting,

For now I am done.