“American Me”

© 2002

Unstable situations
got me
livin’ and racin’
fast-pacin’
while I’m chasin’
the
American Dream.
From golden mountain peaks
to sunny-side ocean scenes—–
Now,
that’s what lies deep
down under
and beneath
the gleam
in my eyes.But, uhh…
Oh so sad to realize
that what I’ve been taught
is all sugar-coated
and glossily disguised
behind
the history books
filled with
American Lines.But then again,
I’ve learned
to be
American-Wise.
Yet not
American-Ized,
for I still breathe in
my Filipino culture.
And like a sculptor,
I mold my life
to my liking,
compromise
and innovate,
demonstrate,
when necessary,
that I can
flip tha script
to fit
the
American Way,
hidin’ behind
American Shades
until I fade
and get lost
in the crowd,
switchin’
my voice up
to match
that
American Sound.
‘Cause I’m already
American Bound
and broken,
singled-out
by
my skin tone’s
Pacific-Island-Brown.

So now…
How
do I
keep
makin’ excuses
for this
cacophonic music,
this
double-exposed illusion,
confusin’
the fuck
outta
my struggle
and goals??
‘Cause ya see,
that
American Gold
has got me
clenchin’
my teeth
as I smile
to play
the
American Role.

Well,
can you hear
the hunger
in
my voice?
And taste
the thirst
in
my blood?
No!
No!
No!
No!
No!
Not yet
have I had enough!
Not until
I’ve reached
the apex’s gates,
surpassin’
American Faces,
although
I know
they’re
American Hatin’…
Once again,
causin’
unstable situations
that got me
livin’ and racin’,
fast-pacin’—-
And I’m STILL chasin’
that
American Dream!!

But uhh…
Never knew
that I could get
caught up
in the crossfire,
as I’m livin’
and breathin’,
proceedin’
to succeed,
as they perceive
the
American Me.