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Who Am I

In the mirror on Vishu morning I see an Indian woman whose Brooklyn mouth can't form Hindu prayers. Should I bleach my skin to match my voice? Should I scrape my tongue to match my face? I've resigned myself to my fate-- forever asking the sky "Njan aara?" In a language my children will never recognize; with an accent my grandparents will never understand. I am what my parents feared I may become; a child whose soul has turned Westward; a woman whose only memories of Diwali are the flickering lights.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




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Date: 4/30/2014 3:34:00 AM
I am so happy this was featured or I would have missed it. I watch Hindi movies all the time with English subtitles, so perhaps you can show them to your children to keep your heritage alive. Your poem touches the heart.
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Date: 4/29/2014 4:24:00 PM
Stunning portrayal of culture vs life. Well done. Enjoyed this very much. Congrats on being featured on the home page :)
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Date: 4/29/2014 12:41:00 PM
I was deeply moved when I read this masterpiece. Simple, truthful and thoughtful. Lovely!!!
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Date: 4/28/2014 8:15:00 PM
!!!
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Date: 4/28/2014 10:24:00 AM
Have you become a victim of Christian Mingle? I suggest you try Hindu hangout. Congrats on the selection. Love, daver
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Date: 4/28/2014 5:34:00 AM
Awesome write, Congrats on your poem being featured this week, Anamika
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Date: 12/27/2013 3:34:00 PM
Your heritage is not gone. It is merely on vacation. It will return when the time is right. Allan
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things