There is something about being here
as i am
in my asian american state
that is suffocating
as much as it is
liberating.
grateful, i should be
they are quick to remind me
to have what i have
from the labors of my parents
the immigrants
who left the home of their hearts
to salvage a greener garden
for their offspring
grateful, i should be
they are quick to remind me
to have what i have
a community of faith
that welcomes me in
without questions
but also
without much genuine interest
grateful, i should be
they are quick to remind me
to have what i have
an upper middle class life
marked by higher degrees in education
that demonstrate
the generosity of this country
don't i know how lucky i am
how fortunate
how blessed
yes, i do.
my knowing is what
keeps my voice asleep
all these years
in its sleep state
my voice is called
humble
peaceable
wise
its silence is lauded
hailed even
as an example
of maturity
and gratitude
but if this is what gratitude looks like
if this is how i must wear maturity
wisdom
peace
humility
what then, do i have left
to leave my daughter
that is truly of myself
what is left then
to pass on to the next generation
to the future culture makers
and world changers?
silent complicity
is no legacy
worth leaving
Comments