American – as my passport states
Afghan – as my parents reiterate
Growing up, in-between
In a state of red, and black, green
With white skin, but feeling blue
What White?
The narrow American description?
Or my Panjsheri porcelain representation?
Which White do I check in the application?
Wait – aren’t I technically Asian?
But not Caucasian. Further complications.
In younger years, the deep Atlantic Ocean
Tried to swallow my soul whole,
As I struggled whether to swim towards
The right or left, in search of a security net.
Eventually, I floated on until an island took me in.
There, I embraced both cultures and nationalities.
Creating an identity where I could represent a blend,
Finally, free to be as I please.