Dear Kobe Bryant

Dear Kobe Bryant,

Since the day you first shot that tube sock

For an imaginary game-winning shot,

You changed me forever.

You have influenced me 

And everyone around me, 

And will always have an impact

On us for years to come.

Never did I think that our time would end

And no one else did either. 

It seemed inevitable that

Love you or hate you,

You weren’t going anywhere.

For every kid who drained a jump shot 

And yelled, “KOBE,” 

Thank you, there will never be a moment

where any of us will ever forget you.

You taught everyone

The true meaning of hard work. 

You set a standard that little will ever live up to.

There was never a time in the last 20 years 

That I would change. 

For every second you played

You influenced millions.

From me, and every fan, 

Hate you or love you, 

You’ll always be missed. Thank you.

Love you always, 

Basketball