This is what it's like to fail.

To fall and scream,

To break and decay.

To float aimlessly until you're anchored at the bottom by the weight in your chest.

This is what it's like to lose.

To grasp nothingness.

To envy and hate.

To try again and again because you've been told you could but you can't and now you're--

This is what it's like to fall.

This is what it's like to crash.

This is what it's like to be collected in a heap of broken bones by the depths of despair and you're trapped, alone.

This is what it's like heal.

Slow and painful.

Cautiously, but able.

This is what it's like to stand.

To wobble and trip.

To stumble and shake.

To grasp blindly for the walls as support and they cut your palms, but you're on your feet.

This is what it's like to climb.

To burn and tremble.

To bleed and sweat.

To ignore the protests of your mind and heed the leaps of your heart until finally, finally!

You're free.

And the light burns your eyes and skin and you're tired but you've started again and now, now you're--

This is what it's like to succeed.