Don't Underestimate the Power

This is a poem that I wrote early last year that I am quite proud of. I used to have an e-mail poetry mailing list, but I would like to share it here for the masses. I have a chain that says "I Will Not Lose" that I wear all the time as a constant reminder of the success that is within my grasp. Please do not be afraid to let me know what you think.

-B

I Will Not Lose


You try your best to stop me, though try as you might
I won't let you win, because my future's too bright
At the height of a kite, seeing sight beyond sight
I've got a message concealed in this poem I write
And I hope you enjoy as I speak of my muse
Let me tell you just why I will not lose

You question the happiness that lives within me
Why I'm on top of the world like a kid in a tree
And I stand and smile while others scream and they flee
Each second's a gift, the next is no guarantee
I've got goals to achieve while I'm on Earth, you see
And I'm determined to see them through, down to the tee
From the space on my wall where I'll put my degree
Or dropping my weight down to one ninety-three
And the boss at my job who will give me a key
To my corner corporate office on floor number three
And the day I propose, dropped down on one knee
To the church where people will praise my queen-to-be
To the day that God calls and my spirit is free
That there's a good feeling, to which you can't disagree
I know that I'm blessed, and I'm proud to decree
That I could be a criminal copping a plea
Or living amongst tsunami debris
Knowing that, I dance in a grand jubilee
So if I sound proud, you'll have to excuse
But get used to it, cuz I will not lose

There's a lot trying to break up this outlook of mine
There are demons and Satan trying to dull out my shine
In the form of a woman looking wonderfully fine
Thick lips, hips, and an attractive behind
Making me offers no man can decline
Kissing my cheek, while she's stroking my spine
Or in the form of cocaine organized in a line
With weed as a chaser, a double threat when combined
Or the allure of the smell and the taste of his wine
And the juiciness of gossip, picked fresh from the vine
Living in people only concerned with wasting my time
Flashing their iniquitous, ubiquitous fortunes from crime
Or corrupt co-workers who refuse to refine
Saying "we do it like this. You don't like it? Resign!"
Or offered as fatty poison derived from a swine
Expecting me to go head-first and eagerly dine
And I fell for these traps before my road was defined
But God has stepped in and he's focused my mind
And he set my life's pace to a comfortable cruise
And reassured me that I will not lose

For though life is rough and a great uphill climb
I was not born with the power of mime
I was blessed with a voice, and to speak when it's time
To handle my business, not to pout and to whine
And to resist that which went against God's grand design
The drugs and the smoke and the swine in the brine
And clubs Uptown around Olive and Pine
Or some unhappy job I report to at nine
The murderous message in a rap or a rhyme
And the women whose looks make them hard to decline
My God deals in dollars, while Satan in dimes
If she's meant for me, her SPIRIT's the sign
My heart waits on the woman that God will assign
And my faith tells me that she will not only be fine
But be fine and also divinely assigned
A recipe for love when the two intertwine
And I've been a changed man since my soul was aligned
Seeing that life's not for spectators and riding the pine
Knowing my newfound joy gives Satan the blues
I could care less, because I will not lose

You see, life comes to those who are awake and don't snooze
And make their own path without breaking the rules
You can't celebrate happiness without paying some dues
But trust God will give you the tools you must use
He made me Black, smart, and cute, with which to make moves
I'm much more than images you see on the news
I'm not lazy or ignorant, using my hands to abuse
Or out in wife-beaters as a slave to the booze
Others belittled me just to laugh and amuse
Though those harsh words tried to batter and bruise
I made it over the hump I and conquered their ruse
They say you can't judge a man till you've walked in his shoes
And my walk isn't easy, don't get it confused
But to let negativity stop me, I simply refuse
A prison couldn't stop me, and neither could Tews
I made it thru tough times growing up without blowing a fuse
I want people to say "Brandon succeeds in all he pursues"
Refusing to be halted and placed far back in queues
And if you didn't get the message by me dropping these clues
Let me tell you flat out: I will NOT lose!