Harsh words

Like shards of shrapnel

Piercing my heart:

“You will never belong.”

Some people say

I’m overreacting.

Some people say

I’m being too vague.

But just because

We don’t

Look like you.

Just because

We are not

Who you want us to be.

Just because

We can’t

Be like you.

Doesn’t mean

We can’t make a change.

I am an Asian girl.

And I am proud of who I am.

Appearances are deceiving.

You never know 

What color

A person may be

On the inside. 

You mocked us

For looking different?

We spend hours at the mirror

Hoping to impress.

Just like you.

You taunted us

For being too weak?

Don’t underestimate anyone

Without acknowledging their backstory.

We influence the world.

Just like you.

You accused us

Of starting COVID-19?

Our cities were devastated.

Our people died.

Our nations suffered.

Just like yours.

Indications can be lies.

Governments can keep secrets,

Even from their own people.

And humans have a choice.

A choice to decide.

A choice to make a change.

A choice

Not to be like everyone else.

You have a choice

To decide.

You have a choice

To speak.

You have a choice

To stand up.

Do you still

Remember us?