If you really were born in adverse circumstances
And in filthy conditions
Among flea-ridden animals,
Went on the run immediately
To escape being killed,
Then spent your childhood
Playing with your dad's power tools
Hammering and banging and building
As well as outsmarting the
Big wig wise guys at the temple...
If you really befriended the local fishermen
Toughs
And spent time helping the street people
And the prostitutes
As well as putting the fat cats
Who couldn't see past the end of their wallets
In their place
If you really were the one
Who challenged the system,
Stood up to the man,
Kicked out the get-rich-quick fly boys
(With your boots on)
Threw some tables around,
Faced the occupying forces
With a tough-as-steel constitution
If you really didn't wimp out
On board the boat in the middle
Of a hurricane
Encouraging those around you to
Go for the impossible
Even to walk on water
And if it's really true you wept
When your good friend died
Yet endured the most horrific beatings
And torture while standing firm for
Who you are and what you believe in
Then offered forgiveness
To those who were about to
Kill you
And then somehow showed up
After
Yes, after
You were dead and gone
Then...
I'm with you
Because that's more than cool in my eyes
Totally life changing, dude...
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem