Finding Balance
Anna McGillicuddy, 129 YinDI’ve thought a lot about my cultural identity while being here and what it means to be an ambassador of America while trying to understand and become truly immersed in Thai culture. The following is a poem about trying to find that balance as well as remembering that the Thai people with whom we work/live/love are our partners in this journey - that they are also navigating these cultural waters as a result of letting us into their homes & hearts.Finding balance
Finding balance is a tricky thingOne second you’ve got itAnd the next you’re fall ing
They say ‘be American, be true to yourselfLet them see the real youGo ahead, add another book to their shelf.But let us be clear that you must not offend, Dress appropriately, don’t point your feetAdapt to their customs, it’s important you blend’
Finding balance is a tricky thingOne second you’ve got itAnd the next you’re fall ing Pick up your shovel, dig into the dirtPlant those red, white and blue seedsBut be warned, it might hurt.They don’t like confrontation, so just let it goThose emotions you’re feeling? Oh, no, no, no, no.Finding balance is a tricky thingOne second you feel like you’ve got itAnd the next you’re fall ing This cultural tightrope is a source of unrestThat fear of fallingA Peace Corps test.One year later and I’m starting to jumpClose my eyes and leapDon’t worry about the bumps.Finding balance is a tricky thingOne second you’ve got itAnd the next you’re fall ing I’ve been taking those leaps and to my surpriseMy feet land solidlySo I open my eyes.The tightrope has been replaced by a plank of woodSo I move forward slowly,Little engine that could.My balance is still off, I still lose my gripBut that fear of fallingI’ve begun to let slip. I take a wrong step, lose my balance once moreAnd again I fallHeart plummeting to the floor.As I find my footing and take a look aroundI notice other people droppingHand in hand as they, too, hit the ground.We’re all finding our ways through this cultural unknownThose bruises and bumpsAre just signs that we’ve grown.So, why does falling have to seem so bad?Embrace the uncertaintyGrab the hand of your cultural-tightrope comradeBecause finding balance is a tricky thingOne second we’ve got itAnd the next we’re fall ing