'i surprise myself every day'

i surprise myself every day

by the highs i have reached

by the depths i have sunk to

by the horrors i have witnessed

by the cruelty i've performed

i have weathered the storm

i've dined at the feast, wary of my enemies

& travelled the darkness, wary of my friends.

i have trusted & been misled.

i have lied & broken promises.

i have been human, & succumbed to my weaknesses.

i have risen above weakness.

i have stood in awe before the mass of humanity.

i have seen my face in the mirror

& been shocked

out of a smile.