Product of the Immigrant Life

Today as I was leaving a comment on one of my hi5 friends page I came across this poem called 'Immigrant Life' by Zion. It's a poignant piece that capitulates the struggle of an immigrant. Me, being the PNG pikinini that I am, immancipated in the rat race of first world surburbia, had to stop and relate.

As i read through every line i nodded in agreement. It portrays the struggle and the sacrifice of a true survivor.It's a personal feat, one which i'm confident that most foreigners who leave their motherland in search of a better life will have had the taste of this lemon on one level or another.

When you leave your country, family and culture you leave behind your comfortzone and you put yourself out there. Yes, all valunerable and insignificant, in a foreign maze, praying to find the right exit that will lead you to the whimsical door of opportunities. Be warned though, many a good people have tried and failed.

We all head out with big dreams and expectations but what really awaits us is reality. This reality, has no compassion or compromise. It is neither your friend nor foe. If you treat this 'brave new world' as if you were sleeping with the enemy, then you will have positioned yourself to second guess any potential issues. It's true what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

So, give the obstacles and challenges the respect they are due, after all, they ultimately will make or break your character. If you come out victories, with nothing but your dignity and pride, you have succeeded. The first part of your journey has come to pass.The rest will be history, laced with the honey sweet nector of living large.

"Immigrant Life"

by Zion
Farren life nuh easy
hear mi when mi seh
if yuh tink yuh caa stan it
stay whe yuh deh

Family always tell yuh
yuh can come an stay wid dem
but if yuh stay more dan two weeks
trust mi, is a big problem

yuh nuh always get work dat yuh want
caas it nuh suh easy fi find
suh yuh haffi tek whe yuh get
just mek up yuh mind

false Pride haffi drap
and sometimes yuh start over
yuh haffi know runnings
and sometimes duh tings under cover

I am not discouraging yuh
caas di world is one big gate
yuh can mek it anyweh
if yuh have yuh head on straight