Note: Here is the audiobook version of me reading this poem. Originally published on Patreon, my Patrons encouraged me to share this performance with everyone. Enjoy!

Where Are You From?

Half Korean American accent Scottish name
Where are you from
I’m happy to explain
But first I’m confused –
What are you saying?
Simple question for some but for me
A wheel of fortune
tick…tick…tick
Where does it land?
What part of Other don’t you understand?
What do I bring up
How do I stand my ground, grand
Represent
Maybe you didn’t mean to say clearly you’re an immigrant
Maybe you didn’t mean to ask about race but you
just did.
Are you a student? So often I’m asked.
I just carry this air of intelligence, you see, so clever-looking —
No come on, they’re really thinking: You don’t belong. How long til you’re gone?
So
We don’t know what to say
None of us
But me, the bridge, Mixed Race Superwoman! opportunity, pressure’s on
Maybe
If I just find the perfect way to explain
Maybe
You’ll understand
Or, what if I passed the discomfort back?
I pause, reply:
Well, why do you ask?

P.S. I’ve lived in the UK since I was 18, so I have always voted abroad for US elections. If you’re also a US citizen living abroad, Overseas Vote can help you request your ballot! If you’re a US citizen living in the US, check out Vote.org.

Further Reading:

• I started to write this poem last year at Rachel Long‘s poetry workshop at Ruckus Retreat.
• I finally finished writing it while working on another assignment for Fringe of Colour, responding to Sophie Gresswell‘s brilliant film of the same title. You can watch her Where Are You From film here, and read my Response to it here.
• This poem also alludes to one of my favourite essays, Mixed-Race Superman by Will Harris