We are divided into two sides
Two parts that make us one whole
We are those who live on the hyphen
Those who do not entirely relate to just one race but to others
We speak English as if it was a nasty taste in the mouth
Like the words did not seem to belong there
Like it was being forced out
It was unnatural, uneasy, unfitting
Nothing about speaking English fit
Nothing about being an American fit
Nothing seemed right because it was not entirely me
How do I tie myself down to only one race when I knew I was more?
How do I say I am simply only a Mexican when I am a Mexican-American?
How many questions can I answer to those who ask which side I am?
How do I answer these questions when I myself do not know for sure?
I want to explain to everyone that I am a Mexican-American
That I do not want to assimilate into the American culture when I am proud of the Mexican that I am
How do I explain the important role that a hyphen gives me?
That the hyphen that separates those two words is what connects me