An Immigrant in the Promised Land: A Gogyohka Sequence

Eric has become
the main character
while Chen-ou
has a supporting one:
life in the promised land

in my mind
there is a room
where Chen-ou
lashes out with the f-word
while Eric argues politely

inside my heart
there are no empty chambers
for Chen-ou
has piled his memories
despite Eric’s protests

in my soul
(I suppose there is one)
Chen-ou wages
a tug-of-war with Eric
for being himself

living
under the white gaze
Chen-ou
and Eric look like twins
same color, different dialects

Lynx, XXV:3