"Still Alive, Still Rising" (Don’t let them break you)

Introduction :

“Still Alive, Still Rising” is a fierce declaration of resilience against judgment and hate. This poem stands up to critics with unshakable confidence, reminding us that no matter how loud the world gets, staying true to yourself is the highest victory.

 "Still Alive, Still Rising"

 (Don’t let them break you)

They call me the bad guy, the antagonist of their world,

But I don’t care—I don’t follow the herd.

Everyone’s got a demon inside their dreams,

Maybe I’m the one behind their nightmare screams.

I’ve dealt with these haters since I became aware,

From childhood scars to now—critics still stare.

It hurt a lot back then, and yeah, it still stings,

But I live by my truth, not the noise you bring.

It’s normal, I guess, to paint others in black,

To blame someone else when you’re under attack.

But what do I see when I look at them all?

Just haters afraid that I’ll never fall.

Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s fear,

Maybe they just hate seeing me near.

They want to hold me down, break my stride,

But I was born to fly, not run and hide.

I’ll keep rising up till my last breath,

I’ll fly like an eagle, even near death.

I’d rather choose eternal sleep than your hate,

Because I know you don’t control my fate.

Try to destroy me? I’ll laugh while you try—

A maniac rising, too stubborn to die.

Call me a coward for staying still,

But I don’t dance to your petty will.

Did a lion ever care what the deer thought?

No, and neither will I—never got caught.

You’re not prey, you’re not my fight,

I don’t strike from the shadows, I stand in light.

If I respond to the noise like you do to me,

What difference is left between you and me?

So I’ll stay silent, rise without sound,

While you throw words and spin around.

I’ll focus on goals, on building my sky,

While you just talk, I’ll learn to fly.

Before you laugh, take a look at your face,

Ask yourself if you’re proud of that place.

If I’m bad, then what are you?

Worse than the worst? Maybe it’s true.

So why not fix your life, stop faking a role,

Instead of trying to damage my soul?

Let’s be honest—what have you gained?

From years of hate, what’s been attained?

If the answer’s zero, then let it all go,

Grow up, live right, let your kindness show.

You’ll never break me, I’ll never fold,

Even if the world around me turns cold.

I’ll still smile, still shake your hand,

Still stay being me, the one who will stand.

    —Shahzad Sulaiman

How I Handle Haters — And How You Should Too  : 

                                               A lot of people think I’m a bad guy. But you know what? I don’t care. Everyone has that "bad guy" inside their head—haunting their dreams, or should I say, their nightmares. Maybe in some of those nightmares, I’m the one haunting them.

Don’t worry, guys—it’s completely normal for humans to make others look bad in their minds. But guess what I think of those people? I see them as haters, jealous in some way, and trying to hold me back so I don’t fly like an eagle. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint them, but as long as I’ve got my last breath, I’m alive—and I will keep rising until I fly like that eagle.

I’d rather let go of my last breath than listen to your negativity. No matter how hard you try, you only make me stronger and more powerful. I’m the maniac daring enough to watch and laugh while you try to destroy me.

If you call me a coward for not answering every move you make, then listen to this—have you ever seen an apex predator like a lion or tiger worry about what a deer think of them? Of course not. I’m silent not because I’m afraid, but because if I stoop to your level, saying things behind your back or humiliating you face-to-face, then what’s the difference between you and me? That would make me just like you.

So instead of wasting time answering haters or doubters, I’m focusing on what I want. And just remember—before you laugh at others, look in the mirror and laugh at yourself. Because if guys like me are “bad,” then you’re worse.

So why don’t you focus on becoming better, loving those around you, and enjoying life instead of making others miserable? Be honest—how much have you gained by wasting your years hating? How much will you gain in the future?

If the answer is zero, then why keep doing it? Please, grow up and be an adult for your own sake. Know this: nothing can ever break me. I will still shake your hand, smile back at you, and stay true to who I am.

Disclaimer:

This poem is not written to spread hate or negativity. It is a personal expression born from real experiences, meant to empower those who have faced judgment, criticism, or bullying. It serves as a message of strength, resilience, and self-worth from someone who has been a victim of hate—but refuses to stay broken. To the haters, it’s a reminder to reflect; to the victims, it’s a call to rise. Let this piece be a voice of courage, not conflict.

NOTE: These poems are personal expressions, drawn from real emotions, life experiences, and heartfelt dreams. You are welcome to read and reflect, but copying, downloading, or using them as your own is not allowed. If you wish to share a poem or use a part of it in your artwork, post, or project, please give proper credit to the original author: Shahzad Sulaiman (Sultan of Hearts) Thank you for respecting the creative effort and honesty behind each word.