The Foreigner

Wronged by the foreigner, by what I do not know – this writing not my own, nor my father’s, nor my father’s father’s – an invasive text / has entered my home. // I preserve, and destroy with each prayer; each verse, as it escapes my lips. // With each breath I mangle the histories of a people. With each breath I kill - myself, my father, my father’s father, my people. I: the foreigner. // who must defend my home, invader that I am. I am in granite. I am in bronze. // The first division of power: author from keeper. // [The scroll is written. The scroll must not be touched.]