Between Dreams and Reality
When I was a child,
people always smiled
and asked,
"What will you become?"
I never paused to think.
Some days I wanted to be a pilot,
some days a scientist,
and sometimes,
I just wanted to make my parents proud.
Back then,
dreams were easy.
Growing up
made them heavier.
Now I sit
in a college classroom,
surrounded by new faces,
new books,
and a future
that no one can predict.
Some friends already
know where they're going.
I still feel
like I'm finding my way.
There are nights
when I stare at the ceiling
long after everyone is asleep.
Not because I don't want to study,
but because I wonder—
Will there be a place for me?
Will all these years
be enough?
I look at my parents.
They never complain.
But I notice
how they think twice
before spending money.
I notice
how tired they look
after a long day.
That is why
I cannot afford
to stop trying.
Life isn't as simple
as I once believed.
Dreams don't arrive
the moment we deserve them.
Sometimes
they make us wait.
Sometimes
they test
how badly we want them.
Still,
every morning,
I pick up my bag,
walk into class,
and begin again.
Not because
I know I'll succeed.
But because
I want to give myself
a chance.
Maybe I won't
change the whole country.
Maybe I won't
be remembered
by everyone.
But if one day
my parents smile
because of something I achieved,
if one child
looks at my journey
and believes
they can keep going too,
then my life
will have meant something.
Until then,
I'll keep learning.
I'll keep failing.
I'll keep getting back up.
Because sometimes,
hope isn't a loud speech.
Sometimes,
hope is simply
showing up
one more day.
Copyright © Yadnesh Sakhare | Year Posted 2026
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