They told me not to forget

When my mother left me

A child of seven

On the streets of New York

With half a bagel and a Hilton Inn pen

They told me not to forget

When my adoptive father hit me

A child of twelve

In that apartment complex

Though the bruises were all that he left me

They told me not to forget

When the boys followed me

A child of fifteen

Down the dark gray streets in New York

No one chose to hear my screams

No one told me not to forget

When you kissed her

A child of seventeen

In our spot on that hill where you’d always sing

I know you saw my tears

No one told me not to forget.
I won’t forget.