I have been beaten down

I have been beaten down. My head is covered in mud.

I have been beaten down, my arms drenched in blood.

I have struggled against inadequacies,

Against ideals of perfection,

Always moving toward a goal that is always beyond reach.

I have been beaten down, always running from my head's notion.

I have been beaten down, yet still I remain in motion.

I have struggled against doubts,

Thoughts untrue made true by my actions,

Which in reality always come by my influences.

I have been beaten down, despite many times being built up.

I have been beaten down, to the point of being as weak as a dying pup.

Yet somehow I keep moving forward,

A crusader whose goal now seems to be moving backward.

And as I get closer and closer, I realize,

I have been beaten down, but I always get up.

Reviews

[Efxaris Arampatzi]

The repetition of "I have been beaten down" creates such a powerful rhythm, making each struggle feel heavier yet more determined. "Yet somehow I keep moving forward." this line really hits hard, showing resilience despite the pain. The imagery of the crusader moving backward is striking, but the ending brings it full circle with strength. This is such a moving poem!