"Financial Independence, Retire Early"

**The Quest for FIRE**

I dreamed of retiring at thirty-five,

Sipping margaritas, feeling alive.

But my bank account had other plans,

More ramen noodles, fewer tans.

I started saving every dime,

Cutting out lattes, not a crime.

But Netflix whispered, "Just one more show,"

And suddenly my budget was feeling low.

I tried to invest like a Wall Street pro,

But the stock market had its own flow.

Bought high, sold low, isn’t that the trick?

My portfolio was playing a nasty flick.

I read all the blogs, I listened to the pods,

“Just save 50%, it’s not that odd!”

But rent was due, and groceries too,

And somehow I still needed a shoe (or two).

I dabbled in crypto, I chased the meme stocks,

But my retirement still felt like chasing socks.

Each time I got closer, it slipped away,

Maybe FIRE isn’t in my DNA?

But I won’t give up, I’ll keep the dream,

Even if it’s more of a pipe dream scheme.

Because one day, I’ll break free from the grind,

Even if I’m fifty-five… or slightly behind.