Determination

What establishes determination
Does it begin with dedication
And conclude in compensation
For the work done in alteration
Of mind, body, and soul?
Pushing the limits
Until you reach that final goal
Exuding excellence regardless of what youre told
Yea...I guess that's determination
Determination is when a father works two jobs to take care of his son
Instead of robbing liquor stores and banks with a gun
A father that proves to all that he's a real man
Not because he needs to, but because he can
Nah scratch that, because he must
Otherwise his son will run the streets until he's laid to rest as ashes and dust
The gates of his mind can't be allowed to rust
Lest he learn a new affiliation with the streets, one called lust
Yea, Id call that determination
Determination is when an immigrant comes to this country to be all she can be
Working 1 job, 2 jobs, hell even 3
Because she knows that even though she cant read
She's providing a better life for her daughter, her child, her seed
So that seed may be allowed to blossom into a majestic tree
A tree not bounded by roots
But one that's meant to be free
Free of destitution, prostitution, and poverty
So she can live an enriched life like you and me
Thats real determination
Determination is found in the roots of this nation
It is found in the relationships between the caucasian, blacks, hispanics, and asians
The racism once placed there is now less blatant
Now by no means is it perfect but we must exercise patience
I know alot of others are doing nothing but siting and waitin'
Collecting their ideas and ideals like water in a basin
But when they choose to take control of their own fate and
Decide to invoke their own determination
Maybe just maybe we can create a utopian nation
But this is all dependent on that one beautiful human ideal
Determination.