First I faced the giant
that keeps me in bed
and even though I spent the night
fighting to get to sleep
I fought him too
and I won.

Then I faced the feeling
that no matter what I wore
I wouldn’t like who I saw in the mirror
but I fought that feeling too
and I won.

Then I wrapped my fists up
because no matter where I go
I’ll feel like I don’t belong there
So I had to fight that too.
but I did and I won.

So when I get here
to the front of the line
and I can see you think
I looked tired
I need you to understand:

You do not know what I faced
before I faced you this morning.

And whatever happens after you,
I’ll beat that too.

Because I fight every single day.

And every single day, I have to win.

~ Iain S. Thomas