A name is given at birth,
Much time and effort was put into it,
Six years into the future, now what’s it worth?

By that time it has a whole new definition,
Dad left at that time, still brings pain,
That rage just gave me more ammunition.

Began to box, name continues to transform,
Boxed around the country, yet still feeling empty.
Will has been stripped of me before.

My mother broke her back working three jobs,
Moving from homes to renting rooms,
Late at night I would release quiet sobs.

Death cannot be escaped; I’m going to die,
Very blunt, but true.
When I’m grown I won’t be the reason my children cry.

I don’t want to be a dead-beat,
That’s how I will remember my father,
I won’t be another repeat.

When I’m gone, I don’t want any praise,
I just want you to remember who I am, as an equal.
Just remember how I conquered my dog days.

I want you to be able to heel; I want you to cope,
I want you to remember living a full life,
Just crown me the name of Hope.