I’m that child.
Born to him and her.
Who grew too soon.
Walked while others crawled.

I’m that child.
Who heard their words.
And somehow knew.

I’m that child.
Whose pain came all too often.
Who lived with rage.

I’m that boy.
Who dressed himself each morning.
And then his siblings.
Who had no role models.

I’m that boy.
Who fought in school.
Who never had lunch money.
Who was called raggedy by a teacher.

I’m that boy.
Who wanted better.
Who cried too many times.
Then nevermore.

I’m that kid.
Who made it through school.
Who did whatever it took.

I’m that kid.
Who ruled the outfield.
Who threw the spiral.
Who ran the lanes.

I’m that kid.
Who thought girls were sports too.
Who saw the tears.
Who was loved by them, but parents hated.

I’m that kid.
Who did the best he could.
Who never lost, but didn’t win.

I’m that guy.
Who enlisted in the Navy.
Who earned his stripes.
Who now led others.

I’m that guy.
Who learned respect was earned.
Who learned never to take love for granted.
Who gave it back fiercely.

I’m that guy.
Who believed in romance.
Who endured the pain to experience the love.
Whose broken heart still beats.

I’m that man.
Who learned from mistakes.
Who became the role model.
Who became the shelter and not the storm.

I’m that man.
Who remembered that guy.
Who remembered that boy.
Who remembered that kid.
Who remembered that child.

I’m that man.
Who didn’t give up.
Who left them behind.
Who finally realized.
It was never about him.