THE IMMIGRANT CHILD

I am the immigrant child!
Born and bred on the
backs of chickens,
fingers of bananas,
hearts of breadfruits,
tails of pigs,
heads of goats,
livers, tripes, and kidneys of cows.
I am the immigrant child
whose forefathers threw what they called, 'PARDNAHS'
to ensure that on September mornings, there would be no bawlings;
since I like the rest, could stand with the best, and proudly tell the teachers good morning.
Yes I am the immigrant child,
and though I may reside in four and five bedroom houses, with ensuites attached;
there was a time when I had roofs that were thatched and patched to keep the waters at bay.
Hey, hear me when I say,
I am the immigrant child;
whose very large family shared two bedrooms and one verandah;
who fumbled with bottled torches at nights to find the toilets.
I am the immigrant child,
who has embarked on the land of promise that was foretold many years ago;
a land where, 'milk and honey flows'.
The immigrant child whose migration and subsequent integration has made me a PROUD CANADIAN!
Entitled to all that the shores of Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR has in store;
as much sap as my tongue can lap from the bark of the maple trees,
while mastering as many degrees as my tuition fees deems feasible.
I am the immigrant child!
Destined to fulfill the goodwill of those that sent me,
those who themselves knew not this land of promise.
I am the immigrant child,
whose rich heritage oozes from my pores,
as I try to ensure that the doors of these great memories are open wide;
to impart a sense of humility and pride, while being a guide for this generation and the generation after that!
I am the immigrant child!
Born and bred on the fingers of bananas, backs of chickens, heads of goats, tails of pigs
and I am the immigrant child who will die humbly holding dear the heart of the breadfruit!

Nadine Williams Copyright October 26, 2009