I’m not really good at this,

but here goes.

I’ve been an American

since before I could walk on my toes.

 

I don’t remember coming,

not after the war.

My parents’ pain,

I just can’t share it anymore.

 

Yeah, I’m an immigrant,

but that’s not how I see it,

I’m a person, just like you,

believe it.

 

But that’s the problem,

right there, you see.

Too many people talking before

thinking to believe.

 

Too many people that distance

themselves from what they don’t know.

But that’s just the beginning,

watch me go.

 

Fear,

fear of the unknown,

fear of the living,

fear of being alone

 

Why side with the politician

saying those are the “bad people?”

When you live three states away from him,

but only three blocks from your equal?

 

From fear to anger,

from anger to hate.

I’ve lived my whole life

hearing “Hey! Stop! Wait!”

 

“You’re not ready. You can’t change

yourself, let alone the whole world.”

Maybe, but I’m not going stop

my hope from being unfurled.

 

I don’t think people are evil;

they’re irrational.

Thinking with braun, not brain,

the part that is actual.

 

Maybe I’m not getting to the point;

I want us to change.

Give up our fire,

give up our rage.

 

Unrealistic? Impossible?

That’s not true.

The only thing that’s stopping you

is you.

 

I know that we have

a long ways to go,

but that path stretches farther

when we lose hope

 

Hope

Hope for the better.

Hope for the good.

Hope for that letter

 

from your mom telling you

that she loves you.

While you’re in pain, thinking

“What the hell can I do?”

 

And no,

I’m not a good poet.

This wasn’t words in defiance.

I know it.

 

But I came here to say

what I want the world to hear.

and I’m just hoping

you don’t think i’m too weird.

 

If there is anything I can leave with,

let it be this.

Reach for a better tomorrow.

You can’t shake hands with a closed fist.