Learning to Love America
Shirley Geok-Lin Lim
Shirley Geok-Lin Lim
Learning to Love America
because it has no pure products
because the Pacific Ocean sweeps along the coastline
because the water of the ocean is cold
and because land is better than ocean
because I say we rather than they
because I live in California
I have eaten fresh artichokes
and jacaranda bloom in April and May
because my senses have caught up with my body
my breath with the air it swallows
my hunger with my mouth
because I walk barefoot in my house
because I have nursed my son at my breast
because he is a strong American boy
because I have seen his eyes redden when he is asked who he is
because he answers I don’t know
because to have a son is to have a country
because my son will bury me here
because countries are in our blood and we bleed them
because it is late and too late to change my mind
because it is time.
and Jacaranda bloom in April and May...
because the Pacific Ocean sweeps along the coastline
and because land is better than ocean
because to have a son is to have a country
Coming home
With our similar background, I understand how all the little things mentioned in the poem has allowed the author to love a country she was not born into. With the beauty of the landscape, and the freedom of the land, her sense of belonging is shown through her identifying as "we" with Americans.
The author's understanding that her home is permanent through her son stayed with me even after I am done reciting the words. As I watched my parents struggle with the language and culture while understanding that the reason they are here is for the opportunities that their hard work will earn me, I realize that to have a child is to have a home. A sense of where you belong is the place that means happiness for your loved ones. For me, the poem puts on paper my feeling that home is where your heart is, home is the place you learn to love and appreciate for the happiness it brings you.