| The Replanting of a Young Tree |
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Cherry Shen North York, Ontario Never had I seen the cold of the north. I was about to be repotted, To a better environment One that was full of sunshine and rich soil. A brighter world, they said! Yet, who knows what lies in the future? I was struck by the shock, They extracted me from the gravel. In fear, I desperately dug my roots into the earth, Hope for a grip. One by one, my veins snapped under their force. I gave up to my fate! Yet, who can feel my pain and hopelessness? Abruptly, I was placed in a new pot, A new habitat, a new home, they called it. My skin was not built for the cold, My bark chapped from the dryness, Foreign fungus attacked me. I screamed out in pain! Yet, who can hear the cries of a tree? It has been years, since I was repotted. I am no longer the same small tree I once was. I have flourished with what has been given to me My branches strong, extending across the field My leaves thick, blocking out the rain and wind. I am fully-grown! But, how shall I help other young trees, Who are soon to be repotted? Background InformationMy name is Cherry Shen and I am a student of Havergal College. As a first generation immigrant from Shi Chuan, China, I settled in Canada with my family in 2001. At first, differences between the North American and Chinese culture challenged me with extreme culture shocks and difficulties in communicating with my peers. After spending more than seven years in this country, I have come a long way in adapting and accepting its unique customs. Nonetheless, I am still learning more about the fascinating ways of life of Canadians everyday. For the Chinese Canadian 150 years Culture Online Project, I created a poem that is dedicated to my experiences of being a first generation immigrant. My poem reflects on the doubts and uncertainties felt by many immigrants as they first settle in a foreign country. As well, it portrays the hardships and difficulties they face in growing accustom to the new culture. Lastly, it proposes that immigrants who have already established a stable ground in the society should help others who are presently immigrating to the country. |
