The past me bowed and walked away,
The one you see won’t bend or sway.
I know my soul, I set my pace,
I never begged to win your grace.
I gave to you, but not from need
My choice, not yours, is what I heed.
It filled your cup, left mine bone-dry,
That trade is dead. I won’t comply.
No one bestowed this strength I wield,
I forged it where I learned to heal.
You missed the fire behind my eyes,
Too sure that I wore your disguise.
I’ve always held more than you guessed,
My power quiet, never less.
Now let me blaze, untamed, unplanned
A brighter star than you can stand.