I am an immigrant

Or so they tell me.

I don’t feel different,

Like an alien.

Yet I am an outsider

Looking in.

I am afraid to do anything

Apply anywhere

For fear of rejection.

It is not me

A country I have never known.

What did I do?

Why am I any different?

Is it my color?

I hardly feel it.

Is it my accent?

I hardly hear it.

But every day that word haunts me

IMMIGRANT

That which does not belong

Foreigner in my own home

The word alone makes me cry

And it hurts.

Not many know,

My secret shame.

IMMIGRANT

I don’t hide behind it

I am smothered by it.

It is my personal demon

One I can’t fight.

Intangible, untouchable

All consuming

IMMIGRANT