What words are there left to say
When you've said all you can
How can you encourage others
If you're sinking in quicksand

What can you do to lift others up
If you're depressed beyond messure
How do you impress everyone else if
You're still looking for buried treasure

You can't always be the champion
There'll be days you are going to fall
Every now and again a time will come
When you won't get to answer the call

But even then, when life seems hopeless
When no one is around to cheer you on
That is the moment integrity is defined
Character is shown when glamor is gone

When your universe crumbles in pieces
Or when the walls seem to be closing in
Grit your teeth and keep your aim locked
Keep your eyes where they've always been

If your world falls from underneath you
In that moment when you wonder why
Hold onto your dream with all you have
You can get up if you can look up at the sky

You may bend, but never let yourself break
If you overcome your mountain, go higher
Champions aren't created by a gentle breeze
Like a rod of steel, winners are forged by fire

© Shelby Pryor