I held the page with quiet dread, Its marks replaying in my head. I gave the hours, I gave the night, Yet still I stumble from the fight. No voice condemns, no blame is near, Yet I’m the judge I always fear. I crave their smiles, their shining eyes, A proof my effort justifies. But where I broke, I cannot see, Perfection’s chain keeps binding me. It whispers sharp, it cuts my name, And leaves me drowning deep in shame. Yet falls are not the final word, A softer truth waits to be heard: The heart that bends, the will that tries, Will rise again, and still will rise. But I am tired, my lungs grow tight, Choking on dreams I cannot fight. No strength to scream, no more response— Just let me be for once.