A good poem, with a question that always creates an inner conflict (for me). On the one hand, every human being has their own dreams they'd like to see made real, and I think most of us are at least a little repulsed at the thought of giving up our own dreams to help someone else achieve theirs. On the other hand, I feel selfish when I single-mindedly put my own ambition before the interests of everyone else, and part of me argues that compromise - a willingness to invest in someone else's passion - is an essential part of human coexistence.
Parentage is a good "devil's-advocate" here. Any father/mother must necessarily give up some of their time (time they could spend on their own dreams) to nurture the dreams of their children. No one I know would call those people fools though, they'd call it an essential part of being a parent.
It's a hard balance to strike; satisfying pursuit of one's own dreams; selfless support of family, or friends, or community.
Thank you for this piece! Clearly it got my mind-cogs turning...
A good poem, with a question that always creates an inner conflict (for me). On the one hand, every human being has their own dreams they'd like to see made real, and I think most of us are at least a little repulsed at the thought of giving up our own dreams to help someone else achieve theirs. On the other hand, I feel selfish when I single-mindedly put my own ambition before the interests of everyone else, and part of me argues that compromise - a willingness to invest in someone else's passion - is an essential part of human coexistence.
Parentage is a good "devil's-advocate" here. Any father/mother must necessarily give up some of their time (time they could spend on their own dreams) to nurture the dreams of their children. No one I know would call those people fools though, they'd call it an essential part of being a parent.
It's a hard balance to strike; satisfying pursuit of one's own dreams; selfless support of family, or friends, or community.
Thank you for this piece! Clearly it got my mind-cogs turning...