A poem challenging us not to define an individual by his present circumstance or outward appearance, because we never know the potential or possibility of that individual.

Why do you define me
My friend, my teacher, my enemy?
Why do you define me by the place I’m in?
Look at me, look deep within
Look beyond my present circumstance
And see me for who I am
One with a great destiny

Can’t you see what I see?
What I know deep down to be true
I am the one who will arise
And obtain my birthright
To be a great leader in my time

So my colleagues, do not define me
For you do not yet see me
As I am to be…
One who has conquered
And gain the victory
Over my past
Over my broken dreams
Over men’s opinion
Over their definition
Of who I am to be

Though now I’m fallen
Though now I’m in despair
Though now for my life
I greatly fear
I WILL NOT BE DEFINED BY THEM
For I will make history with great men

I know who I am
Though you may not know
I will not be boxed in by your definition
Because of who I am now
For you see, there IS greatness in me
In spite of what you may now see

No! Don’t define me yet
Not while I still have life’s breath
For though now I am fallen
I will arise yet
Beyond your definition