Not This Time

Not this time

Here comes my pain again–for the last time. 

It won’t bring shame again–not this time. 

This time you cannot beat me. 

As your scorn comes back to meet me, 

I’ll stand tall. You can’t defeat me. 

Not this time. 

 

Your rejection no longer destroys me 

Because I know who I am. 

Although you still can hurt me, 

My pride will not desert me. 

Not this time. 

Not this time. 

 

And so I’ll bear the pain—for the last time, 

But I won’t accept the shame–not this time. 

And when the pain is gone, 

I’ll be stronger; I’ll go on. 

You can’t touch the soul I’ve won– 

Not this time. 

 

Your rejection no longer destroys me 

Because I know who I am. 

Although you still can hurt me, 

My pride will not desert me. 

Not this time. 

Not this time. 

NOT THIS TIME! 

 

1977