that must be why they are so angry

they don’t know
the amount of care a grandmother spends
rolling rice under seaweed just for them
or have ever had the pleasure
of smelling sesame oil 
in the air. it is God’s perfume, i think. 

they don’t know
the structure of a fish 
unless it’s hanging by a hook
or singing on the wall

they’ll never be known as
“some Asian man,”
or “Chinese lady.”
only “some guy,”
or “that chick.”

that must be why they are so angry