Is it okay just to be,
here —
where you can see?

I promise
I am worth the space,
if you can keep up
with my pace.

I’ll override,
I’ll push through —
not who I am,
just what I do.

I’ll work harder,
run faster,
think sharper —
to earn a place
in your view.

The work will be my show.
I’ll be safe,
where you’ll never know —
hiding,
lost in action,
praying you don’t catch the distraction.

I’ve paid the price,
try as I might —
lost pieces of myself
in the fight.

Each success carves a deeper cost:
a little more of who I am,
lost.

Just keep the door open
a crack —
I swear
I’ll make up for all I lack.

I promise I can be it all,
right up until I fall.

I’ll work harder,
run faster,
think sharper —

I’ll be the fire that burns bright,
until I’m nothing —
dying embers
in the night.