I've been down to the very darkest of places:

Homeless, helpless, with a pattern of shattered faces.

But I found within myself the needed spark to light the night.

I finally picked myself up, and then returned to the fight!

I have recovered from all the 'afters' ! I'm like a phoenix that's reborn.

From the ashes of heartache, I'll find my way - to that I've sworn:

that I'll learn to love again, to once again live and to grow.

I rise strong from the afters, and the spark will augment the glow.

I've faced chronic illness and pain, and loves that went far away.

I've watched as dreams slipped away, with nothing left to say.

But I finally found my voice, my strength, and my positive way;

to rise above and beyond the heartache, and learn to seize the day!

I have recovered from all the 'afters' ! I'm like a phoenix that's reborn.

From the ashes of heartache, I'll find my way - to that I've sworn:

that I'll learn to love again, to once again live and to grow.

I rise strong from the afters, and the spark will augment the glow.

I've walked through fire, and so far weathered every storm.

I found solace in the darkness, and then learned to transform.

Of course all the scars remain, but I'm living in a brand new chapter.

I have finally risen, and I pursue an entirely new sort of after!

I have recovered from all the 'afters' ! I'm like a phoenix that's reborn.

From the ashes of heartache, I'll find my way - to that I've sworn:

that I'll learn to love again, to once again live and to grow.

I rise strong from the afters, and the spark will augment the glow.

Higher, further, faster, baby!!