Every day you look in the mirror

and you see the same person

Yet, every day you are different.

Whether you like it or not you are changing.

Inside and out.

 

Inside and out,

Everywhere you look,

This is not what you expected.

This is not what you were told.

The grass isn’t any greener

And the sky isn’t any bluer.

The food doesn’t taste better

And the money doesn’t make you any richer.

Life is better here.

 

Life is better here.

That is what they all said.

You will be happy.

Your family will be safe.

You will make more money.

That is what I have to keep telling myself.

I need the reassurance.

But, I miss home,

Everything about it.

 

Everything about it,

It’s just better.

The air so sweet it gives you a toothache.

The trees wave hello to you whenever the wind blows.

The dirt even makes you smile,

Tickling your feet as you walk over it.

The memories make each day bearable.

 

 

 

 

The memories make each day bearable

But I keep them tucked safely away.

The thought makes me too sad.

So I try to keep an open mind.

The money is good, I’m not rich,

But my family is provided for,

And happy

And fed

And educated.

Living the life I never had

 

Living the life I never had.

That is my dream.

I want my children to have the best,

Be the best,

And try their best.

Here is where they can live their lives.

However they please,

With whomever they choose.

They are free.

 

They are free,

Free to be silly and laugh.

To be outspoken and driven.

To be a doctor or a surfer.

To be an accountant or a chef.

To reach for their goals,

And strive for dreams.

Be ambitious.

 

Be ambitious.

That is what I tell myself.

Because without it I would be nothing.

Because one morning I looked in the mirror,

I was no longer young,

With the energy and stamina I once had.

Passion is what is left

 

Passion is what is left,

What is left of my youth.

What I have now is,

Dark leather skin with wrinkles that could write a novel

Covered by withered salt and pepper hair.

And a dream fulfilled.