We are told from an early age
Never settle for anything less than the best
An idealistic proverb I was taught to live by
And I tried
Well behaved
Top grades
New friends, no boyfriends
Extra-curricular dance and sports
Perfect reports
Best university and the coveted job
I’m where I want to be

But there’s a look of pity
And your words blurt out
Have you thought about settling down?
Like my entire life has just been the trailer to my movie marriage
Like I hadn’t noticed the buzz of engagements and weddings
Like I’m incomplete and you think you’ve just given me the answer

Please stop
I’m not a box
So don’t try and tick me
I’m a rocket about to launch
So put on your glasses
For there’s going to be a lot of dust