To Ali

I am a defanged snake!
Could the other defanged
and I build that shield?
Oh, Ali! If only!
To protect those whom you fight
to be embraced, healed, equal.  
Can they be healed after 200
years of venom being injected
into love, children, skin, bone,
blood, heritage?
My brothers and sisters
grow closer now Ali.
Their fangs are sharp
and willing to pierce!
I'm sorry neither of us
have the answer for
we've lost the time.
I won't blame you for
closing the door on me.
If our roles were reversed
I would do the same.
C'est la vie!