My languages are nothing
but prove that I was smart enough
to assimilate well.
that they caught me when my brain
was still tender and soft
and easy to influence.
me being able to communicate,
to talk pretty. did not protect me from
being side eyed. did not mean I would
not grow up in a violent and abusive house.
did not mean my mother did not take 3
jobs, living a minimal life and bills still piled up.
assimilation did not save me.
it just made it easier for you
to feel welcomed around me.
I still went through all the bad things
immigrants do. I am not like you,
I will never be like you.
I am from a poor country
and no matter how much I leave,
hardship follows me everywhere.
I am not like you,
I will never be like you.
I had to go through everything
you have no idea some humans
have to.
