(15, CA, USA) Clara - Papillion Poem

"Papillon" By Clara Pham

I know the feeling of being caged, Facing racism at such a tender age. Like a caged bird, I long to be free, To soar above the hate and bigotry.

Butterflies and moths, two sides of the same coin, One embraced, the other shunned with disdain. Butterflies, fragile and fair, Moths, misunderstood in the air.

Asians like butterflies, expected to conform, To fit the model minority norm. But beneath the surface, cracks appear, The pressure and sacrifices too much to bear.

Moths, despised for not fitting the mold, For daring to be different, to be bold. But both creatures, butterflies and moths, Interconnected, like yin and yang's.

We all have the power to transform, To disguise ourselves from the storm. But in the end, we may just be, Another encased butterfly, unable to break free.

So let us embrace our differences, our flaws, And break free from society's oppressive laws. For we are all creatures of beauty and grace, No matter our background, our race.