Will You Remember Me?

You say you are for me.

After I spoke up and yelled out my needs.

Finally you agreed to peace.

It took some convincing with blood and tears down my face.

It took standing in fear and choosing to be brave.

But I’m still grateful you marched and you now wave my flag.

That you linked your arms into mine and now see that I’m more than just sad and mad…

But I’m glad.

I’m glad that you hear my beating heart

That you see I’m not that different as you

Or apart.

But when the celebration is over and it’s time to move on

Will you remember me or will I fight the rest alone?

When the signs come down and you go back home

Will you remember me or will I now fight alone?

Because the real fight was not in a day, a post or a song.

The real battle is on going at my school and my job.

When I walk down the street and bitter eyes of judgment greet me

When I’m not wanted or included in everyday things.

When I don't get fairly ackowledged and glasses aren't raised for a toast

That is when I need your voice the most.

Yes, you that danced, marched and wished me all the luck

When it’s all over will you still speak up?

The injustice bleeds in my everyday life and it’s not enough for you to just wave my flag for a night;

Or for just a day or in a speech

I need your courage most importantly when I’m weak.

When I’m told to “shut up”

Will you remember me?

Will you remind me I’m not alone in what feels like defeat?

Will you remember me in your sunny bright days?

That what may come to you easy

For me it takes the long way.

What you wake up freely receiving

I have to earn by pretending, fighting or in some cases dying.

People like me are literally dying

For the freedom to exist

To sing our anthem

To not be hated, for arriving.

So will you remember me when the celebrations are over?

Will you look for me after the high and you’re sober?

Will you show me true love

Not just a one day stand?

Will you remember me

And choose to walk my long path?

Will you promise to not let go my hand?

-Deborah Liza