Still Standing

They were faster than me.

Stronger than me.

Some of 'em had a hell of a head start.

But they left.

I didn't.

I watched the talented disappear,

Watched the fearless finally learn some fear,

Watched the loudest voices lose their sound,

Watched a crowded room slowly empty out.

I wasn't first. Wasn't picked.

Wasn't anybody's favorite bet.

But every morning that the sun came up— I showed up next.

One went home. One changed plans.

One said maybe next year.

I just kept putting

One more day

right here.

I'm the last one standing,

Not because I never fell,

I just got damn good

At getting up like hell.

Didn't outrun everybody, Didn't have some master plan— I just stayed when

they left.

Now look who still stands.

There were days I had nothing but habit and nerve,

Days I got less than I thought I deserved,

Days the whole damn thing made no fucking sense,

So I came back tomorrow And did it again.

No secret weapon. No lucky hand.

No perfect road underneath this man.

Just one stubborn bastard Who kept answering— “Yeah.

I'm coming back.”

Let the gifted leave.

Let the lucky go.

Let the ones who need it easy Find an easier road.

I don't have to beat you.

That's what you never understood.

I JUST HAVE TO OUTLAST THE DAY YOU QUIT FOR GOOD.

They asked how I made it this far.

I looked around.

There was nobody left to ask.

I'M THE LAST ONE STANDING!

I've been down! I've been dragged!

I've been one bad morning From throwing in the flag!

I wasn't born stronger!

I wasn't heaven-planned! I JUST KEPT FUCKING SHOWING UP— And one day...

I was the last one—

STANDING.