We might all be able to achieve greatness,
But there can only be one greatest.
That title doesn’t include the many.
It doesn’t include the we or the us.
Sure, we can all fight hard,
Take what's coming our way,
Become stronger because of it.
We might be victorious, now and again.
We might hold the trophy over our heads
And shout and scream our triumphs to the crowd
And feel truly, utterly, absolutely great.
But that does not make us the greatest.
The media might herald our names,
Praise us, speak aloud of our greatness.
Others might follow us, love us, worship us,
Wish to be just like us.
Flocks of fans, declaring us the favorite.
But that does not make us the greatest.
We might make millions,
Accrue and accumulate wealth beyond wealth,
Seize land, buy power, pay our way.
Show it all off, the glitz and gleam;
A man makes money,
But the money really, truly makes the man.
But that does not make us the greatest.
We might be consumed by adversity
Yet come out swinging on the other side.
We might beat back all the others,
Emerge with our heads high and our fists in the air…
But that does not make us the greatest.
Who sets the expectations?
Who writes the criteria?
Who upholds the standards?
Who is the greatest?
