I Could Be

As a young girl, I imagined my life
In a way that was different from reality. 
I would think of the things that I wanted 
And imagine these ideas coming to life. 

As I grew up, I pictured my past and created,
I created my very own story in my mind
I would think of the things I had done.
And see myself, in a new light.

I’d been caught in a tower, and fought my own dragons. 
I’ve carried a sword into battle. Under attack, I proved myself a hero. 
A warrior, a savior, someone to be admired. 
Now I wonder, Is this my story, my legacy?
How is it that you see me, In your mind….

I could be the villain, I could be the captor, I could be the enemy. 
At times, I’d think of my life and watch as my story altered. 
No longer the victor, but instead the wounded soldier. 
I’d think of everything that I’d endured, And feel as though I’d earned it.

I’d been pushed around, taken advantage of
But I’d suffered through it, pushing back against my oppressor.
A victim, a survivor, someone to feel lucky.

Now I wonder, Is this my story, my history?
How is it that you see me, In your mind…
I could be the prisoner, I could be the guilty, I could be the offender

And I think to myself, What is it that I want?
So again I must question, evaluate, and analyze everything. 
Is this who I want to be, Is it how I’ll be remembered.
Will they even bother to remember me at all.

I picture the story I want to tell,
I think of the feelings I wish to evoke. 
And I write the story of my life. 
This could be how things go.

I will fight my demons, I’ll push for what I want.
In spite of everything, I’ll become who I’m meant to be.
A fighter. A teacher. Someone who inspires.

Now I wonder, Will this be my story?
How is it that they’ll see me. In their minds. 
I could be the hero. I could be the villain. Does it even matter? 
Does it even matter? Does it even matter

I know who I am. I know my own story.
I’ve felt my successes and I carry my shame.
When I look in the mirror, I see who stands before me.

I know what she’s accomplished, I see every scar. 
I know what she’s been through, I see where she’s going. 
A fighter. A teacher. Someone who inspires me.

And that’s all that matters. That’s all that matters.