Poetry - 6 months ago

6 months

It was 6 months ago that I came to Korea.

Where I traded in my hello's for 안녀하세요's.

My bread for rice, and my voice for understanding.

6 months

It was 6 months ago where I learned what it meant to be a foreigner

Yes, back home I was a minority,

Yes, back home I was a woman,

Yes, back home I was other.

But here in Korea? I am Other,

with a capital O.

I stick out with my afro hair,

my choco-lusciousness,

my own certain style of flair.

6 months ago

It was 6 months ago that I said good bye to home.

Do you know what it's like to be a minority Other?

Where your life is in the hands of another?

Where you have no say, hoping for a new day?

I thought I came here with open eyes,

but what did I know?

At home, I could do something about my problems.

But here...here I am a 6 month year old infant without a home.

I have no claim.

Nothing is the same.

6 months ago

It was 6 months ago that I hoped to find it.

You know...it;

the flame that lit every relationship, interaction, and thought;

a burning sensation of belonging.

Just when I thought that spark ignited,

the warmth fluttering across my skin like an old friend,

that I am doused in the ice cold waters of the North.

6 months ago

It was 6 months ago that I zipped my suitcase closed

Smiling despite the tears

I was ready to see the world

Make a change in my life

I was brushing away the shackles of defeat and depression

My flame was going to grow to new levels.

6 months ago

It was 6 months ago and I'm standing here

feeling no different than I did the day before.