Visualize your attacker

Pin your spine and stand up straight 

Respond yes ma’am and yes sir 

Blistered feet on the mat past late  

A helping hand in a time of need 

The mindset of: me versus the world

Looking beyond myself to lead

Still showing up when needing to hurl

A reminder of my strength, plants a seed

These were my martial art lessons

Over the years,

I found my success in

Struggling and conquering myself; my biggest fear