The Orchestra of Life

I have thought a lot about managing expectations of late. Of course, there has been a bit of frustration over them. 

Managing expectations is an enormous part of life. I feel the need to manage expectations of parents, students and colleagues as a teacher. There are expectations of us at work. Our families expect a lot from us. Of course, we expect a lot from ourselves.

Managing expectations is a lot like playing in an orchestra. There must be open communication among its members. One must set realistic goals, and not over-promise. And of course, there must be flexibility. 

Enjoy this sonnet.

Orchestra plays, a non-harmonic blend

The audience cringes, faces sallow

The melody comes, in pain, to an end

The final note sounding hallow

Its members heads turn about

Looking for a cue

Seeking for a guiding shout

As to what to do

To render the tune melodic

The players must make it certain

Song starts to flow, notes specific

In a harmonic pattern

Members know that they must play

A song elegant and tuneful

But they never over-said the way

That the tune will turn soulful

In fluid motion, the instruments blend

To bring the song to fulfilling end.