When you grow up my girl...

When you grow up my girl…

My Dad told me to become a lawyer;
So I did.
I took a job where I have to judge character, decide, alone, on guilty or not guilty,
Choose punishment for assault, bullying, fraud, cheating and negligence.

My Uncle told me to become an accountant;
So I did.
Monthly I have to budget on so little, a low ‘corporate’ salary,
Then fundraise, add numbers, balance and reconcile for my work to be commended.

My Mom told me to become a role model;
So I did.
Every day I’m watched, my every move is observed,
Every day people judge my clothing, my words, my actions and even my smell.

My Aunt told me to become a mother;
So I did.
So often my job needs me to hold a hand, encourage a heart,
Bandage a knee, sew on a button, or simply, just listen.

My Cousin told me to become a psychologist;
So I did.
My job involves knowing peoples’ stories and contexts, helping them,
Understanding their dreams and desires, mentoring their growth.

My grandmother told me to become a dedicated employee;
So I did.
I work in my holidays, into the late hours of the night and when I’m sick,
I can have meetings all day with 30 clients at a time, and I stick it out.

My grandfather told me to change lives, to be remembered for good;
So I am.
I became a teacher.