You are expected to achieve something extraordinary
While staying within narrow societal boundaries
Everything you do differently is heavily scrutinized
Conformity seems to be the trait most prized
Through these dichotomous expectations you learn to navigate
Have modest achievements, but never reach a comfortable state
Within yourself- because you are trying to sacrifice
Your individuality for society-approved artifice
*
This is how you feel during your younger years
You yearn to break free, but the backlash from society you fear
In your middle age, a stable medium you find
Within the social norms you are still confined
But your position in the society has risen higher
To be individualistic you don’t have the same burning desire
*
Old age approaches with a steady decline
In physical strength, and somewhat grudgingly you find
That you have to rely on your community much more
The ambition to chart a unique path goes out the door
You have lived well within the cultural norms
The society to whose rules you had once struggled to conform
Now comes to your rescue, you are not alone
As you navigate through uncertainty and challenges unknown
*
Whether you live in a society that is collectivistic
Or one that is highly individualistic
There is always a hidden cost
You gain something as something else is lost..
Passion...unbridled 