Do not look into my background and see the darkness of my past,
and fail to see the bright opportunities that could be my future. 

Do not look at the losses caused by my mistakes,
and fail to see the profits of my goals, aspirations and achievements. 

Do not look at the distance I have yet to travel,
and fail to see the origin from which I've come. 

Do not look at the foolishness of my youth,
and fail to see the wisdom I've gained while becoming an adult. 

Do not look at the poverty of me and my family,
and fail to see the riches of our unity and love. 

Do not look at the little child I once was,
and fail to see the African King I have become.