“Two in One”

American. Americana. American. Americana.
That is who you are, born in America makes you American.
Oh so I was told. “Tu eres una Gringa” they say mockingly
Oh how I despised that term, was it the complexion of my skin?
Or the words that failed to flow out my lips.

American. Americana. American. Americana
You’re fortunate to be born here. Reminded. Yes I know.
But I wish I didn’t.
Wish to be more of the other,
the other half is a part of my mother.

American. Americana. American. Dominicana.
Can there be two languages that seem to be one in me?
What is your name? It’s Enedy.
At times I say with a Spanish dialect.
Which convinces them, or me, that I am Dominicana.

American. Americana.Dominican.Dominicana.
Both halves speaks to me; one in music through rhythm
and the other in my mannerism.
When the aroma of Arroz con Pollo y Habichuela fills the kitchen
Which my mother does religiously
Or the pride the countless pride of our flag in the streets
All that is heard can be true,
I still wish I could be considered one in two.

American.Dominicana.Dominican.Americana
Qué bonito es pertenecer a dos culturas.
(how beautiful it is to be long to two cultures)
Where the language connects you to your people.
If it’s helping with a question or simply them feeling welcomed.
Like the Sun meets the water, there my tongue meets its talker.
A whisper I hear, Tu eres Dominicana (You’re Dominican)
The shadow of Dominicana follows me, despise the fact I believe
I’m chasing them. It chases me and is a part of me. It is me.

Tu eres Dominicana (You’re Dominican) Just as much as you’re American.
American I am, growing up, that is who I am.
Dominican I am, it is the air that I breathe, it was second nature to me.
I am one in two, that is true.
For I am American Dominican, through and through.