You were born hard pressed

Down a fine line

Between the hands of homemakers

and coalitions for coal mines

Longing to breach the hills

Where you roamed to hide

From the arms that held you

That should have never touched you

Where you road the bus

To a school you hated

Made attendance matter

To those who you mattered not

Gained scholarships up to graduation

And left to attend university

But wait…

What happens to a dream deferred?

When the cart becomes derailed

And perhaps

the road less traveled

Becomes the only path left in sight

For you in this meantime

Where glass ceilings became cement walls

You do what feels safe
But sometimes life has a way 
So you make a plan

Have a seat, take a breath

Find beauty in the pause.
You walked the stage 
mastered the Masters

Sometimes you wake up

To realize you’re living that dream
When all you hoped for is
All you have.