Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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Go Back to Asia

“Go back to Asia!”
He says and sneers and snarls.
He lacks imagination.
He is so predictable.

Sometimes he spreads his pain and says,
“Go back to Egypt!”
“Go back to Mexico!”
“Go back to Africa!”
He must be a travel agent
Waiting to book a flight.

Maybe he’s right.
Maybe we should all go back
And thank the Native Americans
For their hospitality,
For their generosity.

But where would we go
When our home is here?
I was born here and raised here
Just like you.
My parents were born and bred here too
Just like you.

My grandparents’ souls left for the sky but were buried here
Too.
I’m staying right here.
With you.

Go Back to Asia Jason Fong
Jason Fong, 11
Manhattan Beach, California