Thinking in Rhythm

Carrot and Stick

I was five and I could not wait

For school, which started in the year late

I wanted to learn, to think, and to know

I wanted to be swept by the raging flow

To be an astronaut or, better yet, a scuba-diver

To be an artist or an amazingly good actor

But school was not a place to laugh and be funny

Because soon enough I learned about money

They pushed me to think about a good future

Where I was a doctor, not an "ignorant looser"

So I studied hard and got good grades

Seeing my happiness as it fades

I tried to win the spelling bee

And later on earned my degree

The next four years were pure hell

Pointless work, in a nutshell

But in my hand I held my diploma

And it made me forget the previous trauma

I got a job, made a lot of cash

My whole life went by in a flash

But I was unhappy behind what's seen

For life was a carrot and stick routine

I followed endlessly, keeping the goal in mind

Just like all the rest of mankind

I got to the carrot in the end

And realized what I failed to comprehend

I don't like carrots; I never had

The realization made me sad

For all my life I chased what you thought I wanted

And according to your wishes I acted

But all I wanted was to be in the sky

Talking to the stars as I fly

All I wanted was to look at the sea

And live for the reflection—me