Scorched earth
Chars all who walk it
Of the burned
Blistered and broken
Hope is relishing in the heat
Knowing someone else is safe
As long as they're the only one on fire
Some recoil to the warmth
Can only cast the pain onto others
I am straw and twigs
If my immolation will bring you peace
Then I have one last request
Can I get a light?

The only reward you get for your resilience
Is more tests of your mettle
Everyone you care about will lean on you
Because you can take it
Can't you?
You are bleeding out
Every deed done
Another cut
More blood spilled
You can save everyone
Except for yourself
It's a fitting death
Drowning in a pool of your own blood
Every loved one is another blade
Stained in crimson

They say I'm inspiring
Because I'm strong
But what did I do that was so strong
Other than take another breath
In my hardest moments
By that metric we're all surrounded by giants
Walking monuments, a testimonial that we saw our worst days and made it out the other side