They say I am not good enough to stand among them

Not smart enough, not strong enough, not pretty enough, not popular enough

Yet they remain unaware of my abilities and talent.

They told me to change and repair until I was unrecognizable to myself,

But one can endure only so much before they bend and break.

They told me to hurt and pull others down,

But I chose to remain an underdog, the unseen outcast.

My abilities are limited to a few others who care.

My heart is no longer prone to wear and tear

I have burnt enough to blacken with time

And now from those ashes, I will rise.