By achieving success by traditional measures
You would be able to lead a life of pleasure
Your problems would then be solved
Into a self-actualized human you would evolve
*
You take this as gospel truth, you live
By this principle, your entire focus you give
To a relentless pursuit of “achievement”
To be successful becomes your only intent
Once you reach your final destination of success
You would achieve lasting stability, peace and happiness..
*
Failure is not an option when the American dream is alive
Success is the goal whether or not you thrive
In the process of running after it blindly
If you’re not successful, how can you be happy…
*
Your perseverance leads to success and you find
The happiness that as success was defined
Is far from your reach- the worst part
Is that you cannot share with anyone what is in your heart
Because to expose your vulnerability is to be perceived
As weak and unsuccessful- that is the pervasive belief
In the community that has built itself on the premise
That professional success in this country equates with bliss..
*
I am an immigrant from India, and I, too,
Had subscribed to this narrow point of view
But as I raise my child, I am learning anew
The harm that pressure to achieve can do
It is hard, especially when your cultural identity
Hinges on professional success largely..
But I am committed to my child’s happiness
In the long run, not just professional success
Passion...unbridled 