On Friday June 3rd 2016, the world lost a legend. Although a legend is defined as ‘an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.’, in my perspective a legend is someone who has greatly impacted the world and upon his or her passing has profound effect on the masses.
Muhammad Ali is a legend that was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was an athlete, boxer, philanthropist and a man of faith. I would not claim to have known the world legend like most people that followed his work but I am grateful that the world had someone like Muhammad to teach us the essence of life, the beauty of creation and the strength to live.
This is my tribute to Muhammad Ali
To whom much is given, much is expected.
To whom nothing was given, something must be created.
A chance to be great
An opportunity seized
A life well spent
How many people can boast of leaving their footprints in the sands of time?
How many people dubbed themselves ‘The greatest’ even before they were
And then went on to be acknowledged as such?
In the time of your passing I learnt more about The Greatest.
I learnt that you were kind, you were a mentor, you are the greatest
Your philosophies have become the backbone of many
You created a world were everything became possible
For all who had the courage to live up to their dreams
He made situations bearable, even in the boxing ring
He created controversy with all intentions to start a conversation
He loved the way he lived and encouraged others to live lives they were proud of
Truly Muhammad is a legend because he will be missed
A fountain of knowledge
A family man with values
A source of hope to some
A legend, he remains to many
Muhammad is remembered fondly with his most famous sayings –
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
I am the greatest; I said that even before I knew I was.
I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.
The man who has no imagination has no wings.
It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.
Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.
I’ve made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven’t lived in vain.
Thank you Muhammad for sharing yourself with the world. Thank you for giving this generation a chance to witness greatness. Thank you the prettiest!!
