What Constitutes Success?

 I remember when I was a kid, a teacher asked all the students in the class, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I had never been asked that before, but it didn't take me but a second to know my answer: "I want to be an author."

 In those days, almost always, there were thirty to thirty-two students per room. Out of all those children, there were two that wanted to be an author; Myself and one other girl. The last I heard about her, she ran an antique store in a small town, not far from where we attended school.  As for me, I got married, had children, and did write some poetry during the years. Still living in close proximity of my childhood home, I'd often think about my dream and feel like a failure, because I hadn't acomplished my goal.

 Then, I got to thinking. I had written poetry that I'd shared with others through the years. They were religious poems, and I'd read them in church. Also, I'd written a few stories for my children, and told them bedtime stories I'd made up in those moments, as I tucked them in for the night. I think that doing this, has made me an author- just my pay wasn't monetary.

 Another thing I didn't mention, is that I have a few poems in books through the Poetry.com place. Still, that is self-publishing, I've came to realize, nevertheless, I enjoyed seeing my name and work in print. Considering this, and the fact I have posted some things on Gather, I think I am a successful author. I'm just waiting for all the offers to roll in! Until then, I will plod on, enjoying things as they happen, and still know in my heart; I am a success!