I wasn’t brave I was cornered No backup plan No one warned me I didn’t rise Because I believed I rose because I had to breathe I didn’t know how strong I was Until the ground fell out beneath me Every door slammed shut at once And no one came to reach me It wasn’t courage It was necessity I didn’t rise to be inspiring I rose because it was life or me No one carried me out No hands to hold Just a voice inside me Saying don’t let go I had no choice but rise No choice but stand With broken knees And shaking hands No choice but rise No one to save I didn’t find my power I remembered my name They say “I couldn’t do that” But they don’t understand When every door is gone You become the land Strength isn’t loud It doesn’t announce It shows up quietly When quitting runs out I stopped asking for permission Stopped waiting to be seen I learned the fire I survived Was forging what I’d be Not special Not chosen Just willing to stay When everything familiar Had burned away No choice but rise And here I am Still breathing Still choosing Still becoming who I am No choice But rise
