who do you want to be?

what do you want to be when you grow up?"

the question lingers, the clock ticks and yet my answer is nowhere to be found.

the questions- always the same, routine; predictable. 

they ask what I want to be 

and if i am being true 

i cannot foresee a future of business or creativity; of law or greatness

we tend to define ourselves based on external criteria

And forget the essence of who we are cannot be measured by achievements or failures

the word who is never muttered from their lips 

"who do you want to be when you grow up?" 

to this, my answer is infinite-

i want to be the kind stranger who makes someone smile when the world seems impossible 

i want to be the survivor who's wounds heal others, inspire others. 

i wish to be the person who loves deeply and is loved with the same passion

you see, 

when they ask "what do you want to be"

I know they mean no harm

it's sparked by curiosity as they ponder what I will grow up to accomplish 

But really who, is the deciding factor 

to what I accomplish 

to how I love 

and what I will grow up to be.