I Remember

I Remember

I remember the small, white purse
that I carried with me
as I boarded the plane
Dr. Pepper flavored Lip Smacker
tucked inside

I don't remember coming home
forever changed
Did I sit by the window?
Were there tears in my eyes?

I can still remember the bedroom
A dirty mattress on the floor
Running and running
from windowless walls
into my darkest
of August nights

I don't remember why it was
I took on all of their shame
I don't remember turning twelve
Was I somehow to blame?

I do remember
this one thought...

Did they even know my name?

Angela Minard 2008