Like a seed to a tree, you brought forth life,

You planted three, including me, all origins strife,

But your love never lessened.

Dedicated to my success,

You made the intangible investment,

And for that I thank two of you.

 

You preached of education,

And denounced procrastination, for I was to be of a greater expectation.

You taught me compassion, and to neglect skin pigment,

For it was nothing more than an imaginary figment.

 

You taught me to look fear in the eye, not just face it but embrace it,

You would say “It’s the only thing between you and your dream,

now go out and chase it! Be patient!”

Dad you are a testament to this, not being able to hear,

During your early years you gained not just one, but two ineffective ears,

It’s hard enough being black in this society,

And regardless of the prayers, your ears were never returned by any deity,

But instead of accepting defeat,

You proved through example, what it takes to witness a dream achieved,

I now know that with a hard work, I can accomplish anything.

 

Mom you showed me love,

True passion for a significant other,

You shaped out to be the ultimate mother,

A true goddess I was begotten from.

 

I was born into this harsh world, and it’s hard to live in it,

But the two of you somehow made me feel limitless.

No matter the quandary, I can always find the gift in it.

 

And even after you two fade away, and find eternal rest in a grave,

You and your words will always be heard like cries on the eleventh of September,

And when I get stuck like water molecules in the winter,

I know that I can always count on you, because all I have to do is remember.