We all like to believe that we are small
Like a lonely floating black dot
Just waiting for the fall

But people are brighter than an inkblot
We can shine brightly, giving our own glow
Or, at least, that's what I was taught

I learned not from books, though
nor from school, library, or script too
But purely from the show

When I was young, I had no clue
Of the troubles folks would tell
9/11 was when the ignorance flew

My father lost his job when the towers fell
My parents soon split
and on the streets I began to dwell

My mother couldn't handle it,
She would look for money and respect
then come home and throw a fit

I had younger siblings, who I had to protect
So in the 4th grade I began working
In the hopes of having an effect

Trying for better, we were constantly moving
I quickly learned to change shape
Especially after the school shooting

We moved again, looking for an escape
It worked for mom, the business game
But for me it ended in rape

Eventually graduation day came
after arriving at yet another home
I smile proudly when I hear my name

I want to tell people they aren't all alone
To spread my tale and share anew
No one should feel they face the unknown

Even when the worst becomes true
I must be willing to record
and learn to say “I forgive you”

Because I have a dream to move toward
And so, if you have two legs, use them
Take a step forward