Letter to Two-Four [Poem & Video]

(Letter to 24)

Dear Kobe Bean Bryant, whose soul I pray rests in peace, Those last three words and your name in a sentence Still baffles me.

A Florida boy meeting an LA Superstar might’ve seemed so out of reach, Still, I’d hope to meet you one day Before ever uttering "RIP".

The tragic loss on January 26th ‘ll probably never sit right with me But one thing for certain, and two things for sure Is that you did inspire me.

Young Philly Kobe taught me To never conform to my environment. Pursue what you love until what you love Is funding your retirement

Lower Merion Kobe taught me To get my foot in the door and EAT! To give what you love 100 percent In order to even compete

Rookie Kobe showed me That loving what you do will get you far, But a couple of air balls when the lights shine the brightest Doesn’t discredit who you are

Three-Peat Kobe showed how Playing your role & systemizing with the right people Will humble you and exalt your team So together, you’ll fly like eagles

Courtroom Kobe showed how people will find reasons to tarnish your name. Use your skills to your advantage all the time And never let distractions get in the way

Post-drama Kobe, or "Black Mamba" Kobe has imperatively shown me How to put your mind before feelings, Especially when times get lonely

That oftentimes, when things take emotional tolls Solitarily handle them with grace Bounce back in no time And when it’s showtime, kill everything in the way

The NBA’s MVP in 2007 Exemplified how easy it is to be overlooked, No matter how much of your all you give Or how much you completely shatter record books

Not to do what you love for the accolades Because accolades only take you so far. You end up breaking records along the way, But the real accolades embody who you are.

Back-to-Back Kobe showed that you can get anything you want if you love it enough But to always persevere and work consistently ‘Cause the going can sometimes get tough

Eventually, the load gets lighter As you get stronger and carry your team to a title. But the greatest victory is the joy in overcoming What was once your rival.

Farewell Kobe, if anything, showed me When it's time to go, give out your best Give em 60, unlike anyone has ever done To ensure that they NEVER forget.

2020 showed me that death is a cold thief, A respecter of no one, But your death gave life, Having definitely inspired A generation to come.

RIP Kobe & Gigi Bryant.