i never understood...
the need to be popular,
to be the 'in' thing,
to be cool, to be hip,
never understood the need
for fame...
never waited to be patted
on the back,
never wanted to be followed...

i am what i am!
nothing more, nothing less.
a common man,
with a common heart,
a common soul,
and common hard working hands.
i can honestly say
that i have lived,
i have loved,
i have given past
the point of giving,
i have tried my wings
on countless occasions...
many times i fell,
but a few times i have flown!
i have forgiven,
and asked for forgiveness.
i believe what i believe,
and have stood up in spite of.
i am a man!

Eric Cockrell

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-am-a-man-9/