Do you dare?

"You're going to be a doctor," or so I've been told,

"an engineer, a lawyer..." But may I be so bold

as to shut them wholly out and live my own life?

Do I dare to break their hearts and cause immense strife?

'Cause all I seem to do these days is hope and think and dream

that once I reach the vast blue seas, my soul will be redeemed

I need not American prestige nor pursuit of reputation

What I want is history and culture, the key to pure elation

I could be a diplomat, a professional abroad

I could learn to fly a jet, sail a large sea pod

No matter what the title be

There, not here, is home for me

For now I will prepare to someday soothe my heart

Sharing with my parents the value of foreign art

I will learn and study as much as I can,

making the most of this short time span

I will hold on to my long-sought dreams, whether here or there

So when you ask me if I'm bold enough, I'll proudly say, "I dare."