Poem by Inhabitant of Lier ventemottak PDF Print E-mail

30 April 2009

Written in parallel to the famous poem "I, Too" by the American poet Langston Hughes.

 

 

 

Inspired by Langston Hughes' "I, Too"

I am the neglected asylum seeker.
They send me to live in Lier ventemottak
When my case is closed,
But I accept,
And seek help,
And shout: ”aie”.

Tomorrow I’ll be someone,
When my papers come
Nobody will dare
Say to me
“Go back to your country”
Then.

Besides,
They’ll see how smart I am
And be humiliated –

I, too, am norsk.

The Disturbing Pen, inhabitant of Lier ventemottak



"I, Too", by Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

     
I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.