They said he needed to change
So he became the person he was not
He hated the person he'd love to become
He abhorred that which he once desired

He gave up all he had
They gave him nothing in return
Every challenge he would conquer
Ten others would accompany his triumph
For every victory he would acquire
A defeat would hover over his prestige

How could he win this insurmountable war
The answer stood before him everyday
The war was never meant to be fought
His foes stood not before him
They stood within him and around him
How could he defeat an enemy who was his only ally

One day he abandoned his struggle
The opinions of his advisors bothered him no more
His foes mockery remained in vain
Finally the war was won
Without him having him lift a sword
He was never meant to change
He was meant to remain the same

He finally won a battle no one can win