The Man I Thought I Was

            The Man I Thought I was

               By: Onofrio Santamaria

            I'm not who I thought I was
            Proud, determined, and strong
            Committed to my beliefs
            My reasons were true and sure
            Youth and strength were on my side
            Fought battles to express my views
            Gained a reputation and respect
            Believed in myself, and sure of my cause
            I walked a straight white line

            In time, the line got blur
            Battles were fought more for pride
            Who ever crossed me paid a price
            Took on causes persuades by others
            After battles, pieces of me were left by the curb
            Pain and confusion replaced my pride
            Not really sure of the cause

            Confused on what side I was on
            Facing young men proud and sure
            Battles calls reminding me of pain
            Not want to go that way
            Settling for peace and comfort
            Letting some one else play that game