(This poem more appropriately represents my American born child’s thoughts- I am the first generation immigrant)
Even when they talk about kindness to self, the pressure is there
Relentless; something of which you are constantly aware
You know the American Dream you have to embody
You know successful in traditional terms is the only way to be
Anything that deviates from that self-inflicted stereotype
Is disdainful, you just have to live up to the hype
Of a hard-working, academically brilliant science nerd
You have to be in the race, be seen and heard
Overt pushes and subtle nudges all combine
To direct you towards a well-trod path, so you can shine…
*
The baggage of immigration gets passed down to you
The dreams of your parents you feel like you have to carry through
Burdened with the weight of the struggles they faced
You yourself struggle to find your unique place
The American Dream was not meant to be
As restrictive as for you it has turned out to be…
*
So you protest at times, but boundaries you respect
You’ve learnt to live within constraints, and this aspect
Leads you to success despite all your doubts
Under the pressure you could have done without
Passion...unbridled 