The Working Compromise

The child within would cringe to hear me say My hours are rarely mine, with which to be The grownup who is making her own way, instead of working for a salary.

I don't believe that wealth is the true key, But there are things I want, and things I need. Since those I love depend, in part, on me... My money motivation's more than greed.

I sometimes feel a traitor as I read, The words I put to page when I was young Because that child had dreams alone to feed - And never had to climb the working rung,

And never had the need to be redeemed. The grownup pays to live what youth had dreamed.