Butterfly

Hannah Lee

“Growing up as a Korean-American, I’ve always felt a divide in my personality. Since I am one of the first in my family to be born on American soil, I still feel very much connected to my Korean roots, but at the same time, America is where I grew up and went to school. I’ve always felt out of place, because I felt like I was too American to be Korean, and too Korean to be American. In this poem, I tried to depict the constant struggle between racial and national background that I have gone through.”

Butterfly fly away

To the persimmon tree

In my backyard.

The sweet fruits that ripen every winter,

People always asking me what it is.

Butterfly fly away

To the place where my blood runs deep

And my roots begin.

Where the faces are similar to mine,

And my favorite foods are the norm.

Butterfly fly away

To my grandmother’s kitchen.

Spices and smells of home mingle in the air,

Clinging to our clothes long after we’re done.

A drama playing softly as I learn another recipe.

Butterfly fly away

To the place where my ancestors are from.

A list of names and pictures of faces T

That are unfamiliar yet so very familiar.

Stories about separation of country and family.

Butterfly fly away

To the school cafeteria, where my lunch

Is very different from those around me.

Wishing for a sandwich, the smell of spices

Prompting kids to tease and hold their noses.

Butterfly fly away

To the place where street vendors judge you

As you fumble with your native tongue

Where people stare

As you try to navigate the subway

Butterfly fly away.

Where do you belong?

Which national anthem do you sing?

Destined to forever fly across the sea.