Why did I choose this life?
I chose to fight every day
It's hard
I cry
I mourn
I lose
I break
But I get back up

My battles aren't fought with sword or spear
Perhaps those battles might be easier
They bruise the body
But mine cut the soul
For words dig deeper
And can never be removed

Why did I choose this?
To live a life where every day is a battle?
I could simply choose not to care
Take a step back
Watch as people destroy themselves and others
Even turn away
But I can't. . .

Because the battle is etched on my heart
"Protect others" is burned into my soul
And "fight to the end" is seared into my mind

My life is one surrounded by others
But always alone
Set apart
Because mine is a road few know
And fewer travel

Truth is my shield
Love my weapon
Anger my drive

But the mix of anger and love
They push me
With a power few know
I push on

The battles are fought at night
Against the terrors of the mind I wage war
The battle is against the fast beating heart
The panic
The fear
The self hate

The war will never end
Not in my lifetime
Inner demons will always exist
Even if we can manage to kill our own

But if I can save one life
Help destroy one demon
Then it's all worth it

If I can go through a hell I chose
To save someone from a hell they didn't
Then everything's worth it
And that's why I chose this life
A life of silent war