If I ran this race
at a faster pace
and had a younger face
and didn’t dress with grace
It would be another game
Don’t tell me it would be the same
Once upon a time
I cried
part of me died
I wanted to give up
but one day I got up
I looked at the walls
they could cause me to fall
but instead
I moved ahead.
It took strength
I went to great lengths
determination
dedication
Then I found
myself upside down
I was proud
Yet I felt shame
My body to blame
“I told you so.”
My ego took a blow
So, I tried to hide
I felt myself wither inside
Shiny objects you all see
but not my poetry
if I were a man
you would understand
I am proud to show what I can do
yet I care what it matters to you
this is my marathon
and the strength that I found
I WILL NOT fade away
This is what I can do today
Should I change my song
over something that makes me feel strong?
The article inspired by this poem
This carries so much raw power. The rhythm itself feels like running - pushing forward, stumbling, rising again. There’s resilience woven into every line, the quiet fight of proving yourself, not just to others, but to your own reflection.
The lines "Shiny objects you all see, but not my poetry" hit hard. The weight of being seen for the surface, but not for the soul. And yet, despite it all: you moved ahead.
No, don’t change your song. Let it be heard. This is strength, and it stands on its own.
The story I tell myself is the only one that counts. ☺️