When struck, I bruise; when cut, I bleed;
I claim no extraordinary strength
I have raged in anger, I have cried in pain
I've bourne the weights and troubles the world imposes
not unscathed, but successful, for the most part
my limits have yet to be reached
I am but a man
yet within me, beats the heart of a hero

And with this, I will endure.
Sorrow and rejection, pain and death around me,
all the horrible, terrible things -
at my heart, I am steel.
I feel, as metal vibrates and rings when struck,
emotions as strong as any, yet if I am true
to myself and my heart,
I can perform miracles

I've not won every battle, nor vanquished every foe,
but I acknowledge no defeat; I will fight again.
And I've my share of victories,
monsters slain, empires overthrown.
Even inner demons, exposed to the light of my heart,
have been known to ease their grip, loose their sway.
I am but a man, with a man's strength and courage,
yet within, I have a surety, a knowledge, a serenity.

When called, I will serve. When needed, I will go.
'Tween war and disaster I stand vigilant,
battling monsters as they come.
And when my time comes at last,
and they lay me to rest,
no greater eulogy could I have
than "He died a hero."