The American Dream, Yahdani Mejia

The American Dream

The first step is right in front of you, which path will you take?

The first steps on the stairway look different for each traveler

For some, they are cracking, deteriorating, nearly falling apart with the weight of each step

The distance above or below unclear, foggy

Some begin, not at the first few steps, but taking an elevator to the floor that they will start off on

Pristine and clear steps marking their way as they confidently strut to their destination Much like the first steps, the final destination is a different floor for each individual

Nonetheless, the goal- the highest point- is a fantasy that alludes many Few will attain it, although those who chase the dream of reaching it are plenty

Older ladies- backs curved like the empanadas they sell Trying their best to support their families in chasing that dream

Much like nurses; tired, kind eyes offering comfort to sick patients

Carefully checking their vitals just as their children carefully mark off answers on their exams

Carefully walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, aware of the weight that such a small piece of paper carries

And just as aware of this are the parents pushing piragua carts on hot summer days,

Sweet ice treats as cold as the early morning breeze biting the skin of students catching the bus on their way to

secure a degree

Rising early in the morning just like small business owners, determined to start the next empire

What do older ladies selling empanadas, parents pushing carts of flavored shaved ice, nurses, sedulous students, or

ambitious entrepreneurs have in common with each other?

They are each climbing their own stairway, each on their way; chasing a dream Each longing to achieve hope, opportunity, comfort, happiness

Not everyone is traveling to the same floor or stop, and that is fine

We might be climbing the same staircase, but we will each get off on different floors

The stairway is in front of you, the journey is yours.

Yahdani Mejia