There are few phrases out there that piss me off more. In the past, I've repeatedly had people pry about my ancestry. Eventually, I told them I was American. If that sucked as a white guy, I can't for a minute imagine for anyone who's not white and who receives this sort of otherizing bulls^%$. Another gem of a poem, Cynthia. - Seth ✦
Thank you so much @Seth Diamond ✦ Road Feast for reading and understanding how annoying this could be. It is b.s. Everyone wants to be included….. Appreciate your support! I
Cynthia, this poem captures the cumulative weight of microaggressions with remarkable grace. The repeated question, "Where are you really from?" becomes far more than a conversation it becomes a challenge to belonging. I especially admired how you balanced that pain with universal humanity through the lines, "For I am you," reminding readers that identity expands through empathy rather than division. Your closing, "Remember you to remember me," is a beautiful invitation to recognize ourselves in one another before assumptions ever take root. Thank you for sharing such a moving piece. Monica
Monica-I always appreciate your in depth analysis of my pieces. Yes it really is cumulative! Once I can forget but countless is such a reminder always. In reality we all want to part of the group regardless.
It was great to hear your voice! I relate to you and your poem. I am Asian too. So my physical traits are similar to yours. Your words: “Remember yourself, to remember me” was a powerful ending to your beautifully written piece.
This touched me deeply. “Remember yourself, to remember me” is such a powerful closing. Thank you for giving quiet words to an experience that too many people still carry every day.
I get it, Cyn. I never thought I would ever leave but periodically I have fantasies now. I hope you found peace in Mexico! Thank you for letting me know how this landed with you.
What stayed with me is that this isn't really about being asked, "Where are you from?" It's about what happens when belonging is treated as something that has to be repeatedly proven.
Perhaps the deepest form of exclusion isn't being told you don't belong. It's being asked to justify that you do...
Emi- Unfortunately, not surprised this is happening over there for you also. You are right about owning our membership. Thank you always for reading, relating and understanding:)
“Remember you to remember me” is such a powerful line. This is a beautiful reminder that behind every question is a whole person, a whole history, a whole heart. <3
Thank you @PancakeSushi for sharing!
You're welcome
There are few phrases out there that piss me off more. In the past, I've repeatedly had people pry about my ancestry. Eventually, I told them I was American. If that sucked as a white guy, I can't for a minute imagine for anyone who's not white and who receives this sort of otherizing bulls^%$. Another gem of a poem, Cynthia. - Seth ✦
Thank you so much @Seth Diamond ✦ Road Feast for reading and understanding how annoying this could be. It is b.s. Everyone wants to be included….. Appreciate your support! I
It’s not just annoying — it’s goddamn racism in a cloak.
We need to fight such things the moment we encounter it, Cynthia. We can’t let such things become normalized.
Ever. Great job. - Seth ✦
Seth-Yes it is! Scary, how our world has become more regressive too......Thank you!
Cynthia, this poem captures the cumulative weight of microaggressions with remarkable grace. The repeated question, "Where are you really from?" becomes far more than a conversation it becomes a challenge to belonging. I especially admired how you balanced that pain with universal humanity through the lines, "For I am you," reminding readers that identity expands through empathy rather than division. Your closing, "Remember you to remember me," is a beautiful invitation to recognize ourselves in one another before assumptions ever take root. Thank you for sharing such a moving piece. Monica
Monica-I always appreciate your in depth analysis of my pieces. Yes it really is cumulative! Once I can forget but countless is such a reminder always. In reality we all want to part of the group regardless.
So very true. Beautifully written Cynthia
Thanks Monica!!💐
A gut wrenching protest against othering!
Thank you Nabanita. I am glad the piece spoke to you:)
It was great to hear your voice! I relate to you and your poem. I am Asian too. So my physical traits are similar to yours. Your words: “Remember yourself, to remember me” was a powerful ending to your beautifully written piece.
Thank you so much Florence. I am sorry you have similar experiences. But I am glad this landed for you:). Hope all is well.
This touched me deeply. “Remember yourself, to remember me” is such a powerful closing. Thank you for giving quiet words to an experience that too many people still carry every day.
Thank you so much Antonio. Appreciate your comment and read!
This hits the wound Cynthia... you named it all... and why I left US for some peace to my 2nd country Mexico.
I get it, Cyn. I never thought I would ever leave but periodically I have fantasies now. I hope you found peace in Mexico! Thank you for letting me know how this landed with you.
What stayed with me is that this isn't really about being asked, "Where are you from?" It's about what happens when belonging is treated as something that has to be repeatedly proven.
Perhaps the deepest form of exclusion isn't being told you don't belong. It's being asked to justify that you do...
Adrien- Very true! Thank you for reading so closely and giving me a different angle to look at it.
Top tier “pledge of allegiance”. Excellent piece x
Thank you so much. Very touched by your comment!
I truly felt the depth of this, my dear friend 🫶
Across the water in the UK it feels as precarious.
No matter our ancestors sacrifices, othering continues, with disbelief and ignorance.
We own our belonging and we don't have to justify to anyone. But we do.
Beautiful and painful to read.
But as always you make meaning and offer healing - your last line says it all
Emi- Unfortunately, not surprised this is happening over there for you also. You are right about owning our membership. Thank you always for reading, relating and understanding:)
🫶🫶🫶
Your city is my favorite city! 🌉
Thanks Alicia for reading closely! The city is a beautiful one:). Glad it resonated for you.
“Remember you to remember me” is such a powerful line. This is a beautiful reminder that behind every question is a whole person, a whole history, a whole heart. <3
Thank you Petra for such beautiful sentiments. Appreciate you!
Very nice poem, Cynthia. Also, although the context is tough, your response about SF was beautiful.
Thank you, Tim! Hope all is well with you.
❤️❤️
I have a daughter I adopted from Korea. She gets asked similar questions And has lived here since she was 5 months old. To me, she is my daughter.
That is wonderful Zihna!
Thank you for restacking, Zihna!
You are welcome!