In late autumn
We eat bean paste cake
Light paper lanterns, and celebrate
Under the glow of the moon.

Other days
My heart wanders
Past school and the foreign words I speak
Into Chinatown, where

Once again
I cross the red bridge
Under which koi fish swim
In circles, opening and closing their mouths.

I do the same
Catching and feeding breadcrumbs
Each word I understand
Is a sign that yes, this is home

As long as I blend in
Without a sound
Keep my withered roots
Beneath the ground

I'll teach myself
The pieces I've lost
So someday, my uncertain smile
Isn't what sets me apart.