Going back and seeing the young faces

Eyes that show fear of going to new places

Teeth that tremble within the braces

But in their hands are invisible aces

That I tell them to use in their chases.

But now that I am back in my own space

And I sit here, feeling misplaced

I remember what my former teacher said with grace

"My school had no AP classes for me to ace

Yet you live in such an opportunity-filled place

Don't you dare think you are losing the race"

And I sit here, paused here in a pace

To realize that everyone at each base

Has told me with the same caring, serious face

"Stop worrying if you feel like you're losing the race

Everyone ends up at the same place"