Here to Remember

We are not born racist; we are taught racism. We are not born to hate; we are taught to hate. We are born with light in our heart and soul, yet we are taught to walk in the shadows.

A person cannot preach, teach, or spew hate, fear, and divisiveness in the name of love and caring. Humanity has so much to unlearn. Humanity has so much to remember."

Anita Austin 2011 / 2025

My Early Writing

This will be home to a few poems and some of my very early writing. It took so much work to sort through so many thoughts, experiences, and situations.

The Cost of the Truth

I lie, because I’m afraid to tell the truth.

I lie, because the truth may hurt them.

I lie, to protect those who hurt me.

I lie, because I do not know what the truth is.

Then, I learned what the lies were.

I tell the truth, because I

do not have to be afraid anymore.

I tell the truth, because the

lies hurt me.

I tell the truth, because I

should not have to protect them.

I tell the truth, because I now

know what the truth is…

Anita Austin 1996 / 2025

A Thought

God above knows I do not wish to

hurt anyone with any

of the words I come to share.

The time has arrived,

for the first time in my life,

to finally tell the truth.

I will speak of what

I now know I could not control.

I am no longer ashamed.

I do not have to cover up.

I do not have to pretend.

I do not have to attempt to speak

what others think I should say.

For so many years I could not tell the truth,

and no one could see why I lied.

Anita Austin 2001 / 2025

The Little Girl

Why can’t you see the little girl cry

Don’t you see the tears in her eyes

Why can’t you see her need before you

Will you be one to turn away too

Why can’t you hear the little girl scream

Can’t you see she has lost her dreams

Why aren’t you there to hold her tight

When unseen fears take her away at night

What can’t you take her by the hand

And guide her through this troubled land

Why can’t you see she’s all alone

A heart too small to be on her own

Why didn’t you care when the Angels came

With love unknown and called her name

You’ll never hear her laugh and sing

She soars through heaven with Angel wings

Anita Austin 1996 / 2025