did you know that peoples flocked to our homeland, small like grain?
they brought their moms & dads & children to this dreamland, small like grain.
oceans sailed footprints seared hearts sacrificed—they soar,
following trails of endless prosperity littered with ampersands, small like grain.
in this land of refugees, i learn the follies of nomads / did you know?
whispers of native tongue and worship are contraband, small like grain.
mother comforts me in broken yīng wén:
your words can make hate disband & love demand, small like grain.
have i ever told you about your tulip hands, small like grain?
they can level mountains & push boulders & shovel sand, small like grain.
Amy Liu is a 16-year-old poet based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who is passionate about leading social activism via her work.