Two Worlds (两个世界)

my breath settles like letters on a page

sharp lines of which only fuel a rage

she feels when I "dull my light" -

my yellow skin is seen as white.

through habits formed in private spaces

and foreign words to slanted faces

two worlds I straddle, though I hide it

at home it's one and I abide it.

my mother's love is never done

and neither battle is ever won

can I ignore where I am from?

how can she see who I've become?;

the bridge forms but for a moment

shared blood is our proponent

instead, I softly look away

ashamed of all I'll never say:

'i think not in ways to hurt you

i speak not in ways to provoke you

i learn not in ways to betray you

i just am not in ways ... like you.'