I was a girl, afraid of the world
Didn’t dare to trust, nor adjust
I was a girl, slow to know
Never ate, lost some weight
I was a girl, too cold to hold
Fear was clear, always near
I was a girl, intertwined in my mind
Would even choke as I spoke
I was a girl, a lot who I’m not
I’m now free, can’t you see

I am a girl, as bold as told
Learned to try, learned why
I am a girl; I’ll walk the talk
Always eat, I feel complete
I am a girl, swears and cares
Through the rough, grew tough
I am a girl; I’ll dance and prance
Feels the thrill, has the will
I am a girl, as true as you
Just as me, forever free

It’s as I’m being chased
But I can hardly run
Just as my lungs give out
I pray it’s close to done

I seem as I’m freezing cold
But I’m dripping in my seat
My chest tightens up
And now I can’t feel my feet

I feel as I ran a race
My body can hardly stand
But you reassure me
And quickly grab my hand

You told me you would stay
And said you’d stop the pain  
I said you can try  
But it’s all in my brain

Stand together, rather than apart.
Think with your mind, but also your heart.
Please listen closely to those in pain.
Use your voice, but also your brain.
Always remember to spread the word.
Again and again until your voice is heard.
Sign petitions, fight for reform.
Help stop the rain before the storm.
Be at peace, but do not give up the fight.
So many of you know just what is right.
As we continue to pray for our nation to heal,
Pay more attention to how black people feel.
Remind yourself why you have a voice.
You can help or hurt, it is your choice.

As bright red leaves fall from trees,
Children play in piles on knees.
As trees grow dry and warm starts to die,
The birds sigh at the sky.
As snowflakes unfold and bring us cold,
Warmth grows tougher to hold.
As flowers grow, fireflies glow
And sing some songs we know.
Birds swarm and remember warm,
As summer appears to form.

Have you ever felt trapped behind metal bars,
Or watched all your cuts turn to scars?
Have you tried to escape the pain in your soul,
But you just couldn’t seem to fit that hole?
Have you been so worried you started to shake,
Or felt too weak to be awake?
Have you been so mad you started to cry,
Or used a smile as a lie?
Have you lost who you are way down deep,
Or unsure of which secrets to keep?
Have you felt your heart pound and pound,
Or hear a dull ringing sound?
Have you felt the internal cold,
Or felt like life was too much to hold?

Life beats you down to the ground,
And then so quickly turns around.
Sadness is always okay.
I promise you, it will get better someday.
Have you felt the joy of living,
And all and everything the world is giving?

It’s when you feel the sun against your cheek,
Or thank God for each & every week.
It’s when you laugh so hard you began to snort,
Or lean on your best friend for support.
It’s when you dance your heart out in the rain,
Or achieve your goal through the pain.
It’s when you smile so hard it starts to hurt,
Or when that special person begins to flirt.
It’s the warmth and comfort of your room,
Or the beauty of a flower’s bloom.
It’s everything that fills your heart,
Even after you fell apart.
It’s the little things that help you cope,
And let you know there’s always hope.