from-to & everything in between
In three days, I will board a plane back to my passport land, a place I’m supposed to call home. It’s not. It’s my birthplace, my upbringing, my privilege. This poem is my attempt to my 20 months serving with migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, finding community among them, and leaving my newfound home for an uncertain one.
| From MNL |
From JFK |
| to HKG | |
| I leaveHusband, children, parents behindFor better work abroadHopes of a better income, soShacks can become houses,Food can fill stomachs,Education can bring opportunity. |
I leaveFriends, family behindFor the mission fieldHopes for justice and peace, soNight becomes the day,Ashes turns to beauty,Love can bring change. |
|
I arriveSuitcases full of pictures, cards, letters -Memoirs of where I came from. She waves to me,Recognizing me from our video chat.“Welcome to Hong Kong!” |
|
| “You’re so dirty.”“Stop being so lazy.”She yells at me,Hits me, starves me.Nothing I do is right. |
“You’re so American.”“I didn’t realize you’re so Asian.”They assume my Western upbringing,Surprised by my Eastern values.Nothing I do fits. |
|
Presidential election:Promise of a better future -Job creation, poverty alleviation. Presidential selection:Reality of a worse present -Violence, deaths, a divided country. Useless abroad -What can I do? |
|
| “When can I get my pay, ma’am?”She doesn’t give a clear answer.I hope next month. |
“Who do I ask?”She doesn’t give a clear answer.Indirect communication confuses me. |
|
I miss myFood, friends, family,Speaking my native tongue.I am sick of Chinese food. |
|
| My nose bleeds from speaking English,But Cantonese isn’t any easier.I want pansit and adobo.I miss my husband, children, parents.But here, I am.A slave. |
My mother language no longer familiar,Tongue unable to pronounce correct tones.I want tacos and pizza.I don't even like pizza.But here, I am.Homesick. |
|
“We are workers, we are not slaves!”Our chants heardFrom Causeway BayTo CentralFor better payFor better working conditions“Domestic work is work!” |
|
| Unwelcome looksOf disdainWherever I goThe pain of always knowingI am a foreigner. |
Mistaken for a migrant workerIn the summerAmbiguous Asian featuresIn the “winter”I am a foreigner. |
|
We fight, we advocate, we uniteDespite our differences,Because of our similarities,For ourselves, for our countries, for others. If not us, who?If not now, when? |
|
| I find a new employerBecause filing a case meansNo work, no money.I hope she treats me better -Feeds me,Pays me. |
I find my place in the space betweenAsian American -The awkward tension of beingNeither,Both,Betwixt and between. |
|
Hong Kong is not home.I don’t belong here. |
|
| Gusto ko uwi.I want to go home. |
下一步呢?What’s next? |
Created by: Jennifer Sushi AuAbout the Author: Sushi is a missioner/social justice advocate/adventurer. She dedicates her life to serve with those in the margins of society and doesn't mind the nomad life. She dreams big and lives Ordinary Adventures full of Amazing Days. She is finishing her term in Hong Kong as a Young Adult missionary with the United Methodist Church and returns back to her passport land. She has no idea what comes next but is excited!