I stand here among trophies—
Golden, gleaming,
A metal hard to earn.
They gave me a name,
A label that defines
Who I must be
In their eyes.
They say I was meant to be this—
From the moment I was born.
But I hope they never notice
How it presses against my throat—
This shine.
I must not crack,
Must stand tall,
A flawless emblem,
Of pride and respect.
Yet I'm balanced on a narrow square,
One slip, and I'll fall,
Shattering the illusion
Of a solid metal.
Still…
I want to fall on my own terms—
Scatter once,
Break free of duty,
Let the cracks sing
Of my adventures and laughter.
But I am scared—
Of what might come,
The unknown truth,
I think I do know.
If ever a single crack
Appears on me.