A Basket Full of Crinkle Paper

If I were to listen to you

I'd be climbing up the stairs

to a place called “No Destination”

Do not come to me with your vague pieces of advice;

they move my feet nowhere

Keep on trying, changes 

nothing if I repeat the same mistakes

How do I ask the right questions

when I don't know what I am doing is wrong?

My immigrant parents couldn't fill out college applications 

but they moved all the way from Armenia without knowing  

the language, the culture, nor the laws—

and still managed to create a home

I learn things here and there

often times by my mentor —  

an immigrant professor who

gifted me with courage to take chances

No - do not come to me with your vague pieces of advice; 

shower me with a basket full of tips

Tell me to ask questions

Tell me where to look

Tell me progress is success

Tell me to set mini goals

Tell me to write my wishes on a piece of paper

Tell me the secrets of the industry and the tricks of your trade

Only then will I be able to move mountains