when my past echoes

When My Past Echoes When my past echoes, I remember my background— Where struggle learned our names, Where our hands were always empty, Where pain knocked daily on our door, Where humiliation became a familiar friend, And happiness was never guaranteed. Yet, my parents never surrendered. They never let me go to bed with an empty stomach; I never walked barefoot, I never stood under the burning sun unclothed, They never allowed the streets to claim me. They did not only clothe me; They exchanged their strength for my comfort. They sacrificed their dignity for my education; They barely had time to care for themselves. They lived only to see the crown of success Shine like silver upon my head— For hope was their true inheritance. So I carry their footsteps with honour Through battles I must face. For I was raised by warriors; Though they possessed next to nothing, They gifted me more than wealth— A fire that never stops burning, And the strength to rise and stand.