The Shadow You Made Me

I wore the mask, played the part,

Tried so hard to mend my heart.

But every glance, every whispered tone,

Turned my kindness into stone.

They saw the cracks, the faintest stain,

Judged my soul, fueled my pain.

I reached for light, they gave me chains,

Now only shadows keep me sane.

I tried to be the hero, but they called me the beast,

Fed my doubts, turned love to least.

So now I rise, the darkness my plea,

No chains can bind the shadow in me.

I stood in light, it burned my skin,

The brighter I shined, the darker within.

Their fear of me, their hollow lies,

Taught me strength through tear-filled eyes.

A monster, they said, in every grin,

If I’m the villain, then let it begin.

The claws are sharp, the fangs are bare,

This world was never fair.

I tried to be the hero, but they called me the beast,

Fed my doubts, turned love to least.

So now I rise, the darkness my plea,

No chains can bind the shadow in me.

I’ll build my throne from the ashes they made,

Forge my crown from the lies they laid.

This heart still beats, but not for them,

The light is gone; I’m born again.

So let them scream, let them flee,

They birthed the monster they see in me.

The light betrayed; the dark set free,

I’ll reign in the shadow, and finally be.

I tried to be the hero, but they called me the beast,

Fed my doubts, turned love to least.

So now I rise, the darkness my plea,

No chains can bind the shadow in me.