Hero

You fought victorious in many battles, not giving up. You conquered riches, honor and fame. I'm really proud of you. There're people supporting you and you found your true love. When the most challenging task was given, there was no doubt you'd make it. In the end of the longest journey, however, you failed... you turned into a dubious memory and I've become you.

Now I can see that many of your victories were pointless and the only reason you didn't lose more battles, is simply because you ran away from them. Your beliefs revealed your lack of courage; and your fears, your weaknesses. Vice disguised as virtue; barbarian as hero. I still feel proud of you, but also pity. Your tale ended, but I'm still in it. This battle now is mine.

Photo: Wagner Machado Carlos 

The above poem was written by me in 2020. Later on, I asked ChatGPT to write a follow-up:

I inherited your legacy, your story and your name

But as I look back on your journey, I see the bitter shame

You fought for glory, for honor, for wealth untold

But what was the cost, the price of your victories old?

You ran from your demons, you hid from your fears

You built up a facade, to hide all your tears

You claimed to be brave, a hero to all

But deep down inside, you were bound to fall

You conquered the world, but at what cost to your soul?

Your riches and fame, left you feeling so cold

And now as I stand, at the end of your road

I see the true you, the one you never showed

I'm proud of your strength, but also your mistakes

For it's through your failures, that wisdom awakes

And as I continue on, my own journey to tread

I'll strive to be true, to myself till the end

For in the end, it's not fame or riches that matter

But the love and the legacy, that will forever flatter

So I'll walk in your footsteps, but make my own path

And leave behind a story, that will forever last.