AFTER THE EFFORT

All was lost after the effort Now tired, for he fought Like a god's son, perhaps Zeus' And the struggles despite no vows. All he ever wanted was to be a son, Respected by all—now, respected by none. For his parents to boast with pride aloud, Saying, "He’s worth every struggle allowed." He longed to raise a daughter someday, To make her proud in every way— To show her love from a father's hand, To be her shield, her steadfast stand. He dreamed of speaking justice clear, A lawyer solving case by year— To free the pure, condemn the vile, To stand for truth, mile after mile. He wished for moments just his own, Some quiet time to be alone— To run and laugh and simply be, But now he's chained, he’s not quite free. He once dreamt of reaching high, For ranks—but instead, he got high. Drowned in sorrow, beyond repair— Even his mother no longer cares. He gave his all to be the best, Yet failed again—another test. He sought redemption in a glass, Now, a shadow in his class. All was lost after the effort Now tired, for he fought Like a god's son, perhaps Zeus' And the struggles despite no vows