Baby’s cries haunt my rest,
Racist words sink in my chest.
Harsh reminders mark my mind,
But I’d rather not be blind
To the world’s cruel realities
And hidden brutalities.

There’s a face in the mirror
Staring back at me
And I write of what’s reflected,
Of memories long neglected.

I bury the pain deep inside,
Where no one can see the hurt I hide.
The bruises and slashes are shoved aside.

Extinguished ambition,
Fallen to submission.
Good girls are meek,
Good girls don’t speak.
Must not make a sound
‘Cause no good girl is loud.
No one cares for what I say
So I must sit and obey.

I bury the pain deep inside,
Where no one can see the hurt I hide.
The bruises and slashes are shoved aside.

There’s a girl in the mirror
Staring back at me.
Memories won’t fade
And she’s too afraid
To say what’s on her mind.
Her past won’t stay behind
And she can’t let it go,
The lingering shadow.

Future’s shrouded,
But I’ll break out of my silence.
Independence is crushed,
Voice is hushed,
But I can’t keep contained
The emotions that have been restrained.
Paper and pen
Will become my friends
And I’ll pour
My soul onto the page.

I bury the pain deep inside,
Where no one can see the hurt I hide.
The bruises and slashes will heal in time.