In the Mix of Mentality
Trish Broome
When you’re mixed
or a blend,
I’ll tell you, my friend,
the questions don’t end.
They just start to offend.
Like, are you Chinese?
Where were you born?
Do you accept both sides?
Is there one that you mourn?
Maybe you’re torn
or you’ve sworn
not to tell.
Maybe the truth is
you’re mixed so well
that this hell
where you dwell
in the middle in the dark
is the space
where you race
to replace your old heart.
To mend what was broken.
To live what you’ve spoken.
Be true to the you
and do.
And show them.
Shake me, you’ll see
that I blend beautifully.
But the bits
that are split
and break free
are as me as can be.
I’m neither, yet all.
An imperfect sight.
Don’t be the kind
who is blind
or confined.
I’m more than alright.
About the author
Trish Broome (she/her) is a half-Korean writer and poet who grew up in Newport News, Virginia. She received her BA from Longwood College and her MA from Loyola University Maryland. Her poetry is featured in You Might Need to Hear This and Half and One. She is also a contributor to the book A Letter to My Mom. Trish currently resides in Maryland with her husband, two rescue dogs, and daughter. She works at the local library and considers herself a kimchi connoisseur. Follow her on Instagram @trishb.poetry or check her out at trishbroome.com.
Trish moved to Maryland in 2003 after she graduated from college. She first lived in Columbia, but then moved to the Mt. Vernon area because of its great location, mix of diversity, and awesome arts and music scene. Now that she has a daughter, they live in Carroll County, but Baltimore will always have a place in her heart.