He was tops in his class of 1947,
To UT, then the Army, surely that had to have been no heaven.
Started as an accountant mainly by day,
Then many nights at law school,
To become the brilliant attorney, that he would portray.
Many years later in life through hard work and honest living,
Through much prejudice in Houston, he rose above, to became a pillar of his community;
His persistence was rewarded when he became the first Mexican-American judge there; it surely was his thanksgiving,
For only in America, do you have this kind of opportunity.
So if someone tells you that you cannot be what you really want to be,
Don’t ever let them discourage you, and say you agree.
For if my Padrino Abe can pursue and achieve his dream,
Then remember to work hard, keep your sights set on the goal; don’t ever surrender; and don’t ever, ever, lose your gleam.
Robert Collazo, 11/18/08. [Padrino = Spanish word for someone who sponsors you at your baptism or holy communion.]
