When I was sixteen, I remember
when I was at my brother, Donte's,
house, watching Blue Streak on the
flat screen TV, pounding momentum
shifting in between scenes, as we
stared at, Martin, dancing in thrilling
exhilaration, thin hands holding a
brilliant blue ruby in the sunlight
sparkle.  There was an extreme joy
written all over our faces, serene
moments and heavy conversations
on a bright summer day.  

My brother would always tell me
to stay focused and never give
up on my dreams.  "Don't get
sloppy.  Don't let your talent go
to waste.”  And as I listened to
the breath of each word, how
its strong diction sunk inside
my soul, bursting bright lights
flashing gloriously, I knew I
must never give up on
my dreams.  I had a purpose
in life and incredible talent.

Now as I look back on those
days, I'm very thankful for
the many inspirational words,
how they shaped my creation
within a complicated world,
how when I was constantly
bullied and threatened,
those same words came
rushing back into my existence,
a lasting memory that I must
keep moving forward and
never look back.