What were we

 When we came to America in the sixties, and seventies

 

What were we like, and what was America like?

Youthful and hopeful

Though somewhat immature,

Rather naïve and trusting.

Some would call us foolish,

Half-baked, half-cooked

We came to this shore.

Brought our youthful hearts

Filled with hope and excitement.

With boundless enthusiasm

determination to succeed

In this new land of opportunities.

And…

America welcomed us with open heart

We learned new way of life,

Understood new ideas

With passing time, Changed a little,

Adjusted a little.

Unknowingly, we became defacto ambassadors for India

Be it the topic of religion,

history, politics, or culture.

Though our knowledge was thin and incomplete,

Felt free to share

with anyone who would listen.

America too was like sweet honey

Sweet in speech, sweet in food.

Opportunities abound.

Not yet aware of the glass ceiling

Or racial discrimination.

Nor were we familiar with America's history or geography.

We were just blissfully happy,

Possessed by green cards and green dollars.

That's how we were, and that's how America was.

 

MeenalPandya

 

Over a while, how everything changed

Years passed

We didn't realize

We changed

We didn't realize

We forgot the promises

Not to change

Strong beliefs

That we had brought along

When did they start to weaken

We didn't realize

When did we become foreigners in our homeland

We didn't realize

When did this foreign land become our own

We didn't realize

America also changed

We didn't realize

What once seemed shiny

When did that shine start to fade

We didn't realize

The conveniences that once seemed unnecessary

When did they become essential

We didn't realize

When did the children become American

We didn't realize

There must have been some injustice done to us somewhere

Whether it was discrimination or prejudice

But we were so unaware

We didn't realize

Now we have become wise

And a little wealthy

But where did life slip away

We didn't realize

 

Meenal Pandya