Muhammad Ali

I knew him first as Cassius Clay, “The Greatest,” as he claimed. His many titles proved that he Was accurately named. He “floated like a butterfly” Yet he was brash and bold. He stung opponents “like a bee” And left a few out cold. Although a boxer through and through, You might say to the core, The one place he refused to fight Was in the Viet Nam War. He lost his license for that stand, Excluded from the ring For several years, but then returned Triumphant as a king. His years of taking endless hits Led sadly to disease, For even as “the greatest” Life provides no guarantees. I’m not a fan of fighting sport In any form, but yet I’ll mourn Ali, the fearless champ The world will not forget.