by Michael Stalcup

Accent

after Amy Chua

An accent is a sign of bravery,
of journey, celebrated or unsung—
a mark of freedom from the slavery
of thinking in a single siloed tongue.

Beneath the broken words and hesitations
are eloquence, rich humor unexpressed.
How easily the wisdom of the nations
slips past us in its unassuming dress.

originally published in Ricepaper Magazine.