Ode to Kobe Bean Bryant
...GENESIS KB 8... ...EXODUS MAMBA 24...
(Ode to Kobe Bean Bryant)
*GENESIS*
From Italy
to Lower Merion PA
June 26th, 1996
The Lake Show
changed forever
on that draft day...
That greatness includes: Baylor,
West, Chamberlain, Goodrich,
Mikan, Kupchak, Johnson, Worthy
Abdul-Jabbar, Rambis, Greene
Scott, Cooper, Wilkes, Divac, Horry
O'Neal, Gasol, James, and Davis...to name a few...
Young man
walked into
Inglewood's Forum with devastating
intentions...
Not to mention
that being accepted
was not an initial concern,
Only thing that mattered
was that the midnight
lamp continuously burned...
Maniacal work ethic
and unsympathetic
to laziness and lack of dedication...
And when he brought home
the slam dunk crown
the rest of the
world had a fascination
with the kid in the #8 Laker jersey
...But it did not stop there...
Time went on
as KB ordered up
a nightly servin'
as defenders
flipped the bill
and had to deal with
broken ankles
pulled hammies
and shattered egos
were workin'
hurtin'
witnessin'
tenacity
immaculate footwork
perfect handles
smooth jumpers
masterful passin'
power jams
while gettin' dismantled
on national TV by a young
bball beast...first name Kobe...
5 rings while runnin'
Staples
3 wearin' 8
2 wearin' 24...
which indicated that God
made Mamba able
to win championships
like no other, and
to be a warrior on the
hardwood with his
Laker brothers
while fighting through
injuries and pain
willing the squad
to victory
as the pressure
would make most players
abstain...
He gave his mind, body,
and soul to the game
until there was nothing left...
His Hall of Fame
name will be forever
enshrined among the
NBA greats;
However being a
loving husband and father
game ambassador
and artist should be added
to the heavenly name plate...
He left it ALL ON THE FLOOR
The journey began as Kobe 8
The mission was completed as Mamba 24
"Mamba out!"
*EXODUS*
(c)2020 Marc Lacy
AVO Publishing, LLC
Rest in peace Kobe and Gianna...
May God give Vanessa, the girls, and the entire family peace, strength, and solace...