POEM STARTER
Write a poem exploring expectations and reality.
Dreams don’t always come true, but sometimes the alternative is preferable. Whatever angle you take, examine these two perspectives.
Dreams Don’t Always Come True
“I do not yet know myself what I’m capable of doing in it.” Van Gogh — Paris
Paris is a place where dreamers escape in search of themselves.
I did this myself—I told myself I’d know what to do when I got here. But becoming is harder than the running.
Paris breathes creativity into people. It’s easy to feel inspired— but letting it soak into you is another thing entirely. The question is…what will it grow into?
The giants never left. We’ve all left a piece of ourselves here. Walking in the footsteps of their shadows—it’s not just about tracing where they were, but how they felt. It’s a privilege, yes, but also a burden. Because it stays with you, long after you leave.
It’s a crossroads of genius—here, you stand among giants, even if no one ever knows you did.
I believe my thoughts and my words may always remain unknown, but there’s comfort in knowing I’ll leave a shadow of my own.