I Grew Up In These Buildings

I grew up in these buildings

In long bland hallways of white

In hospital cafeterias

In bright fluorescent light

And though others smelled only Windex and disease

I grew up in these buildings,

And saw only what I could be

I have my dream-

A crisp white coat aim

A jacket like my mothers

And it will read my name

But even though I am made of that brick

I cannot yet call these buildings my own

I must start far down that rugged path

And work my way home