You were in my math class,
and my spanish class,
we were in band together,
choir? dance?
...we were doubles partners in Tennis.
But you still don't remember me.
The disgusting cafeteria food,
Mr. Thompson's long lectures on international trade policies
The smell of the hallway by the boy's locker room...
Things you remember about high school
But you don't remember me.
You passed me in the hall
Every single day
I was the one you had to step around
When I was in your way.
One time, freshman year, I let you copy my homework in Spanish
Because, I knew what it was like to forget to do the assignment.
But you still don't remember me.
But I remember you
And I will for the rest of my life
I remember the snickers you and your friends gave me
Some days when I passed by.
I remember the taunting
When I had to use a Hello Kitty backpack.
Because the one I saved my money up for
Got ruined in a car wreck.
Your words and your laughter
Would rotate through my gut
Like laundry in the dryer
On a cycle that wouldn't stop.
It was late March, Sophomore year
When I found refuge in a bathroom stall
The bile that was created
From the way that I was treated
Finally, found, it's way out.
A physical release, of the mental hold you had on me.
My sacrifice to the high school life
You turned into a Hell.
But you don't remember me.
On that battle ground of the high school grounds
You brought weapons;
Perfect highlights, flawless skin,
A guy on your arm who belonged in Abercrombie and Fitch.
Manicured hands, a glowing tan
...did I mention he was a college man?
But I wasn't your only victim
There were days when I got lucky
Those days when you completely ignored my existence
Those were the days I looked forward to.
But when I caught the eye, of your daily catch
We'd share a glance as silent and quick as the time it took you to forget about us.
But I want to thank you.
Because of what you put me through
I developed great strength.
You kicked me when I was already down,
So I'm who I am today.
No longer hiding in that bathroom stall
I shout from rooftops, I speak to you all.
From the depths of my lungs I have harnessed a weapon so powerful
Sometimes it scares me.
I've made fear into phrases
And anger into rhymes.
Conviction in my voice
With passion in my lines.
But you see, our main difference,
When you start comparing,
Is that I will never use my weapon for hurting.
In your hand is the hand of your fiance
In my hand's a mic.
You have your picture perfect high school memories
Me, I have the rest of my life.
You see, I'm going places
In no time, I'll make you see.
So for future reference,
You might want to remember me.
