This is the Way of Things

In my office the other day

A young lady came to me.

Her face was an ashen grey

With a lack of gaiety.

With her voice trembling she said,

"A doctor is what I want to be".

I merely nodded my head.

"I absolutely agree".

I outlined a path she could take

And praised her for even trying.

But her bottom lip began to quake

And soon she was crying.

"What is the matter?" I had to ask.

Her innocence was losing its luster.

"Being and adult is a difficult task."

That was all she could muster.

I was confused. "What ever do you mean?

Aren't you ecstatic? Aren't you glad?"

She sobbed, "being an actress was my dream.

It was all I really had,

But the world is so cruel

When dreams don't matter.

You're either successful or a fool:

The first or the latter.

I finally chose the first

To receive the success that it brings.

Though I feel my heart will burst, 

That is the way of things."

Though it is my job to carefully guide, 

I was suddenly unable to speak.

For this is the truth we try to hide

Of the dreams we wish to seek.