I'ma lick you good, boss, he said, / winking at me / before the bell rang, and / I believed / that he believed / he would.
-- Cassius ("Cassius Clay vs Francis Turley; February 25, 1958" )

Importance: Cassius was in his first National Golden Gloves championship. This poem is typical of the short lines and of how he described his thoughts.

Because going downtown meant crossing over into the White world. And in that world, four eyes were definitely better than two.”
-- Lucius (ROUND TWO)

Importance: Lucius and Cassius were constantly together after school, and Lucius explained why they were so careful when they went downtown. This scene took place in the late 1950s, and the racial tensions made everyday situations incredibly volatile for Blacks, especially when they went into areas that were mainly White.

Odessa 'Bird' Clay may be / the smallest / of the Clays, / but her heart is the biggest, / wide as the sea.”
-- Cassius ("My Momma" )

Importance: Momma Bird had an incredible impact on Cassius's life. Lucius made the point that...