I

I

I wasn't brought up with a silver spoon

I knew I would strike gold on my own

I never asked anyone to break my fall

I knew one day I would soar above them all

I did not fall in with the crowd

I knew they would turn to me in the end

I was asked to wear faces like masks

I knew I had to look in the mirror someday

I was asked to fall in line more than once

I knew exactly where that line ended

I was told about caution and prudence

I chose integrity and passion

I was expected to wither, to crash and burn

I was sorry to disappoint them

I am everything I could be

I choose to be everything I can be

Today is the first day

Of the rest of my life.