On Friday the 3rd of June, 2016- Our era bid farewell to the bravest champion we've ever seen... THE GREATEST (1942 - FOREVER) Maybe this was your plan all along, Ignite a flame so bright, the world goes cold when you're gone? Call us selfish for feeling this way, Weaker; half the man they called Cassius Clay. Consoled them, I told them, "I'm Happy," so happy for your soul, Parkinson's plagued you, now you're free to let go. Unbound by worldly suffrage and pain, A life lived so fully, what more could one man stand to gain? But you were more than a man, weren't you King? You stood your ground; "paid your rent", spoke your mind, served your purpose. Homes, cars, travel, trophies and the children you bore with them, Queens. A father inspired a daughter, butterfly-like footsteps in the ring, Your glory in her beauty, your strength in her sting. Within the ropes she dripped your sweat, your fighting words in her ears, But tonight she drops memories of you in her tears. Incredible, handsome black King, you helped shaped this planet. Have you any idea what you meant to its inhabitants? A father-figure to those without one, someone many men aspired to be, Even admired the world over by fatherless daughters like me, "Ali bumaye!" Up late, little boys re-read your biography; Reborn you are Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali. Your poster on their walls, unyielding fire in your eyes, K.O. We know from all the stories-- true legends never die. So in the gym they push harder, one more push-up, one more drill, If you hadn't been plagued, you'd be out there, out runnin 'em all still. For refusing to kill-- evil men tried to take your crown, Wanted to watch you break down, even revoked your stamp. You kept pounding away at that heavy bag, heavy-hearted, came back a Champ. The Kings in my life, they mourn for you tonight, This as well, confirms the reach of of your light. You never quit, never cowered, never let em see you cry, Beautiful mind, bright smile, baby browns... bye-bye. Thank you so much for everything you leave behind. Your legend we'll hold to, your photos we'll cherish, Pray for you in synagogue, shrine, mosque, and parish. The world feels a little more lonely,