I was born in an ocean as
molecules of hydrogen and carbon
then became a thick mist
spread thinly over a great distance
I am the story of poverty,
never meant to make it out of
those ghetto streets
never meant to be of value
to a world that makes little black boys
step children without a cause
I became the artist of
diction, sight, and sound,
following in the footsteps of my
disgruntled father
I leaped, in a single bound, hurdles
of heartache, death, and flying fist
to land in the midst of
God Almighty
I am today, what I was yesterday
and tomorrow.
I am to organize masses
I am to inspire
I am to die lonely and misunderstood
But I am to have left behind
the ultimate legacy:
the legacy of new life.