The odyssey of self

In the depths of despair, I bled for the masses
A martyr's cry, echoing through the passages
I gave and gave, until my veins ran dry
But in the end, I realized, I had to ask myself why

The world didn't stop, it just kept spinning round
Leaving me in the dust, with a worn-out crown
I thought I'd find solace, in the love I'd share
But it was all a lie, a facade, a snare

I tried to find my place, in the grand design
But it seemed the more I gave, the more I'd decline
My heart was pure, my intentions true
But the world didn't care, it just kept on moving anew

After all the sacrifices, the tears, the pain
I realized I had to be selfish, to survive the game
For in this world, only the strongest prevail
And if you don't put yourself first, you'll forever fail

So I rose from the ashes, like a phoenix born
With a heart of stone, and a will to scorn
I learned to love myself, to put me first
For in the end, that's the only way to quench the thirst

Of a world that takes, but never gives
A world that chews you up, and spits out your lives
So I'll wear my armor, with a heart of gold
And I'll survive this world, with a spirit that's bold

I'll walk alone, through the dark of night
With only my shadow, as my guiding light
I'll face the demons, that once held me down
And I'll rise above, with a heart that's renowned

For I am the master, of my own destiny
I am the captain, of my own soul's sea
I'll navigate the waves, with a heart that's true
And I'll find my way, to a place that's new

So let the world, with all its might
Try to bring me down, and snuff out my light
But I'll rise above, like a star in the night
And I'll shine so bright, with a heart that's full of fight

I'll embrace my flaws, and my scars too
For they are a part of me, and my story anew
I'll learn to love myself, with all my heart
And I'll never let the world, tear me apart

I'll stand tall and proud, like a mountain high
And I'll never let the world, make me ask myself why
I'll know my worth, and my value too
And I'll never let the world, make me feel blue

So I'll keep on walking, through the dark and the light
With my head held high, and my heart full of might
I'll keep on rising, above the pain and the strife
And I'll find my way, to a brand new life