Dear White Man
(Inspired by being a grateful attendee, Operation Homecoming USA,
that paid tribute to all American Vietnam Veterans, Branson, MO, June 13 - 19, 2005)
Your look is sad, and I understand
I wish not to interpret it
But feel your depths of American patriotism
You righteously feel disgusted at one who is an ungrateful immigrant
You wanted me to feel loved as I've become an American
A gift from this country, not a right.
I understand your conviction for preservation of this great land
All contributed from the natives' and the immigrants' hand
So when a Vietnamese American does wrong
It naturally reflects negatively on Little Saigon.
When one does a good deed, he feels good for the namesake
Echoed Robin Williams' voice: "Good Morning Vietnam!"
I pour my heart out bringing up my three children right
I love them wholly so that peer pressure will not fool them.
I love my hometown, my workplace, as much as myself
For I spend more hours awake at work each day
My dear white man
May God and Country bless us all
As all are under one nation, under God...
Linh Duy Vo
June 20, 2005 ©
Picture with permission. Thank You Papa-san Gary Linderer for your invitation. My poetry reading brought tears of healing at the traveling Wall.
© Copyright by Linh Duy Vo. All rights reserved