The First Generation

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Hi All,

I hope you had a wonderful July 4th. As I reflect on America's birthday, I can't help but think of the the two cultures that teter in me as I was growing up.  I have memories of growing up and speaking hilarious "Hinglish" (Hindi and English) sentence, and always moving between two cultures at home and in school. Growing up, the values of both cultures have played an important role into who I am as a person. I identify by both cultures, and this the poem recollection of those vivid memories.  This mix has made me a more full vibrant and beautiful person, and I always believe in embracing your culture. What makes you different really does make you beautiful. Also, linked below is a dress that has some red, white and blue, but its vibrant pattern reminds me of something I'd wear as an Indian "kurthi" or shirt. 

The First Generation

There lie the auspicious tie die colors of Holi all over her.
The fasts of Navratri, fueling her soul.
The goodness of Diwali lighting up her heart.
The savasana pose relaxing her body.
In her lay the sounds of Sa Re Ga Ma
Mixing with sounds of the tabla
Of spices, laal mirch, haldi, overwhelming her senses
The fun of dressing in ornate sarees and lenghas
The constant banter in a house full of laughs, arguments, cries, and love shared
In her lay the strength of it all.

In her lay excitement of Hallow's Eve and costumes and candy feasts
The thankfulness of a land of opportunity, smells of cornbread
The smells of oregano, thyme, rosemary, laced in Alfredo pasta
The lights of Christmas trees, ornaments glistening in the darkness
As she skates across the ice rinks with hot chocolate
The glistening city lights, the bustling thread mills and weights fueling her energy
The sounds of country music and rap of stories of stories of love and struggle
Blended with the sounds of the drums, electronic, and guitar
The fun of dressing in scarves, boots, and fall clothes
The diversity of friendships formed
In her lay the strength of it all.

In her lay the traditions of both culture, forming the first generation of an immigrant family.

Here's a link to dress: goo.gl/xHMU28

Here's a link to dress: goo.gl/xHMU28

Here's a link to dress: goo.gl/xHMU28