OPPORTUNITY

I had a chance to be a banker.
The bank president sat behind his desk
and painted a picture of what
my future would look like:
good salary, opportunity for advancement,
status in our community, a life of significance.
It was all there, and more, he said,
for the taking. Just finish your college
studies and seize the day. He may even
have said carpe diem, though perhaps
my memory has gilded the scene.
I do remember feeling flattered.
I thanked him but said my goal
was to become a teacher, a teacher
of English. He pursed his lips,
gave his head a sad shake and
did not say "Good luck with THAT."
But I think he wanted to.