Young age, playing fields, footballs, hoops, and seams,
But deep down I knew, I had Sports Radio Wishes and Sportscenter Dreams.
Football, basketball, baseball, I loved the grind,
Yet behind the mic, I knew I’d really shine.

Philly’s streets raised me, a big black kid with a vision,
Connected dots at Connecticut, top of my class, did my work with precision.
Graduation day, empty chairs, no one in the crowd,
Finished strong, yet no one was there to tell me that they’re proud.

Interview rooms, resumes in hand,
Name says one thing, face another, it’s hard for them to understand.
A white man’s name, but my skin, dark as night,
Their surprise, my struggle, my daily fight.

Stuart Scott had swag , Ron Burke got grit, Ukee’s calm voice that rang,
Beasley Reece’s wisdom, Gary Cobb’s game.
Black voices on airwaves, my inspiration, my guide,
They lit the path, where my dreams would reside.

Depression’s grip, no big break in sight,
Failure whispered lies, every lonely night.
Dreams slipping, self-doubt in the stream,
I felt lost in my Sports Radio Wishes and Sportscenter Dreams.

2014, I accepted Islam, my heart took flight,
Realized Allaah had a plan, and led me to His Light.
Stopped the drink, started to pray,
Worshiping Allaah daily, ready for whatever came my way.

Peace in the masjid, my purpose so clear,
Faith in my heart, no longer held by fear.
Great at my craft, I know my worth,
But it’s in Allaah’s plan, I found my rebirth.

I can still talk sports, with passion and fire,
From struggle to redemption, my story’s empire.
Sports Radio Wishes, Sportscenter Dreams,
But Allaah’s plan for me is my ultimate theme.

⁃   Basheer Umar Pemberton