You've Got to Understand

I will always be the safe one

The one who is steady

With moments and times

Of pains and weakness

But I will always be that option

I cannot be what I’m not

I’ve chosen to live without the mask

Without the shadow

Used to guard what is who I am

That isn’t to say my walls aren’t in place

That I don’t guard my heart well

I’m an old soul weathered

Far beyond my years

With a deeper understanding

Of things I shouldn’t even know

Of pain and heartache

Change and loss of trust

Shifting loyalties…

I will never be the most beautiful

I will never be the most talented

I will never be the best

I will never be perfect

I’ve come to grips with these things

I’ve come to realize how little

These things really even mean

But you’ve got to understand

That this is who I am

I’ve got to understand

That you probably won’t understand

You’ve got to understand

Well maybe…

I’ve got to understand.