Gotta

by Rachel Turney

Image credit: Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash

My mom’s dad told me you can be anything you

want to be

But you gotta get your education

My mom’s mom told me you can buy anything

you want to buy

But you gotta invest in property

My dad’s dad told me you can travel anywhere

you want to go

But you gotta learn and know the dangers;

respect other people

My dad’s mom told me you can be alone; you

can do it on your own

But you gotta be wise and shrewd

My mom told me you can have a great career

and help others too

But you gotta keep your balance

My dad told me you can be an athlete strong

and capable

But you gotta train and practice

My sister told me you can be an artist

But you gotta ignore the critics

My brother told me you can overcome

But you gotta be tougher than the pull

My friends told me you can do it; you can do

absolutely anything you want to do

But you gotta stay realistic; stay grounded

I told myself I can achieve any and every goal

But I gotta decide which goals are mine

***

Rachel Turney

Rachel Turney is an educator and teacher trainer. Her poems, poetry, research articles, art, and photography can be found in a few publications. Connect with her on socials. Blog: turneytalks.wordpress.com Instagram: @turneytalks