I am not strong.

You might say that I am
For admitting this out loud,
But I am not strong.

I hang over the side of the cliff -
Helpless, alone, scared.
But I cannot pull myself back up
Because I am not strong.

My legs dangle in the air
And my arms are aching.
I have not yet fallen,
But I am not strong.

I try to find a branch
Or a rope to grab ahold.
I can't hang here much longer
Because I am not strong.

How could you call me that
When I feel so weak?
I don't know what you see in me,
But I am not strong.

You might call me brave
For taking this risk to talk.
I don't believe that is true either,
But I am certainly not strong.

I cry out for help
As my fingers are slipping.
I scream, though my voice has gone,
But that does not make me strong.

There are those who try to help
By sitting on my fingers.
They won't let me fall, so I don't care.
But that does not make me strong.

They say if my life is sad,
Then I can work to make it better.
I try, but nothing has changed.
So I am not strong.

I have not given up yet
Because I believe there is good.
But I need help. I am alone.
And I am not strong.

I cannot see. I can't hear you.
The voices are screaming at me.
I fight my hardest to ignore them,
But I am not that strong.

They say to tie a knot
In my rope and hang on tight.
But I did not have a rope
Because I was never strong.

Strength is the faith in yourself
And hope in the darkest night.
I may not have failed yet,
But I am not strong.

Strength is the courage to cry
When your friends are all watching.
I tell you I'm sad, but I hide my tears,
So I am not strong.

Strength is the will to live on
And reach out to those in need.
I try to wear a smile and offer up my hand,
But still, I'm not strong.

You sit at the edge of the cliff
And catch me when I fall.
I am able to hold onto your hand,
But I am not strong.

You smile at me, and then I know
You will never let me fall.
That may make me trustful, or loyal, perhaps,
But that does not mean I'm "strong."

I may be persistent, I may be modest
Or not out to seek attention.
But this, out of fear and not of my choice -
So no, I am not strong.

You are my strength. If it were not for you
I would not be here now today.
I can hold on with you at my back,
But I do not think that is strong.

It is not your effort alone
Keeping me from falling.
Maybe I can try and get back up.
Would that make me strong?

With your strength and support
I climb back onto the cliff.
I can walk on my own without needing rest.
...Does that make me strong?

I'm grateful for you and how much you care.
With you, I feel I belong.
I'm smiling. I am eager for my future.
Maybe...I could be strong.