Heavyweight Champs Of Life Poem by Kandayia Ali

Backed up in a corner- like- a wild cat in the ring. My battle
against all that oppose me, and as soon as I hear the ding- I will
come out with a monster swing. The rules were given before this
fight, but my opponent looked at me kinda' funny, so I just might
have to treat him like a stranger on the street. Beating him to a
pulp- like I was tenderizing meat. See, if this fight is to be mine-
I'd have to let go of a lot of ways that I was, in order to be the
champ that I need to be. Some may have a problem with my
choice to be a fighter- but with their opinion- I strongly disagree.
I was only born to stay in this square, never passed the rings- so I
thought- it took up until I put away childish things, and the
truth was sought. It's deeper than just me knocking' this fool out,
my life is on the line here. I have had to let go of those who
could possibly jeopardize my chances of winning- friends, family
and the others that I hold dear. When you're in the heat of
battle, and the gloves are on, laced up tight- you have no time
for wondering if you'll have any fans after trying to win this fight.

All that you can think about, is a TKO, and to do this takes skill,
practice and room to properly grow. Time to develop into the
individual who will be wearing the championship belt- rolling'
with life's punches can be definitely felt. If I leave this ring
today, with my face disfigured, it was worth it, cause I walk
away with my own peace of mind, sense of self, the ability to
think for and be myself. I won't have to answer to my coach anymore, won't hear the screaming from the crowd- won't be
mentioned or recognized- won't be the talk of the town. I want
to end this misery in the first couple rounds- All I have to do is
stay focused, with both feet planted on the ground.

I'm prepare to do what it takes, even if I'm left standing alone.
Right now, I'm a puppet- only here for others to enjoy, my name
carved involuntarily in 'their' stone. No one can defeat me, even
though most have tried to. I've been slandered, abused,
tormented and lied to. It wasn't from the others fighters who I
have had to privilege to go up against- it's from the people who
claim they love me the most, but haven't shown me any REAL
love since- I came to the place I am right now- and there is no
way, no how- no if's, no and's, no but's- about anything I do- I
have a divine calling on my life- tired of punching, ducking and
dodging all the struggles and strife. I have made up my mind,
and once it's been made, that is it... They'll know that I did the
crime- because my gloves I'm using to take anyone who
challenges me down- WILL fit...