I don’t remember learning how to read

Or how to add 2 plus 2

But I do remember the stares

The questioning faces

The way it felt to not belong

With my own sister

I don’t remember the words that were spoken

Or how it all started

But I do remember the way the tears felt

Falling down my cheek

And what it was like

To finally know

What an aching heart was

I don’t remember the name of my first grade teacher

Or second, or third or fourth

But I do remember feeling invisible

And not quite adequate

I don’t remember my 12th birthday

Or what I did to celebrate

But I do remember every single birthday

My father forgot to call me

And how many weeks passed

Before he did

I don’t remember the first time I swung a bat

Or scoring my first goal

But I do remember the emptiness

When my dad never showed

And the comfort

That my mom always did

I don’t remember how many times

I disappointed my mother

Or was grounded

But I do remember falling asleep

In her arms

And feeling loved

Without question

I don’t remember being born

Or taking my first step

Or speaking my first word

But I do remember standing up for myself

And defending my race

My confusion

And my will to continue the struggle

I don’t remember the first time I wrote a poem

But I do remember that I will never stop