Contrast between my native land, Haiti and my adopted land, the United States.

HAITI, MY COUNTRY! AMERICA, MY LAND!

I remember the “Krik!Krak!” the “Riddles” at the dinner table,
I remember the “Lago Kache” the “Hide and Seek” before bed time,
I remember les “vacances d’ete” the “summer vacation,
I even remember the gatherings at “Rue Panamericaine” “Pan-American Street”.

However, I prefer a walk on South Beach, Florida
To a walk on Bicentennial Avenue, near “Mache Amba,”
Because I now have no worry about instant curfew.
Instant curfew as always for more than a few!

It is true that, at times, I experience double consciousness,
It is not always easy to feel pulled between mother land and my surrogate.
Nevertheless, I now know liberty,
Mom, I miss you but I enjoy my stability.

That is why, I prefer a walk on South Beach, Florida
To a walk on Bicentennial Avenue, near “Mache Amba,”
Because I now have no worry about instant curfew.
Instant curfew as always for more than a few!

When I travel back home to bring you my hard earned $Dollar,
You treat me with disdain and make me feel like a Polar (Bear).
You call me all kind of names: Blanc! Diaspora! And Capitalist!
But you fail to realize that you are not a realist.

Unless you change, I prefer a walk on South Beach, Florida
To a walk on Bicentennial Avenue, near “Mache Amba,”
Because I now have no worry about instant curfew.
Instant curfew as always for more than a few!

Back home, I am unwelcome! In America, I seem welcome!
America is my land for there is my home.
Because I have a brain, I am in danger.
In America, I am encouraged for being a teacher.

Although I miss you, I still prefer a walk on South Beach, Florida
To a walk on Bicentennial Avenue, near “Mache Amba,”
Because I now have no worry about instant curfew.
Instant curfew as always for more than a few!

Copyrighted © June 2005 Manes Pierre