On the Border
by Ruth Wren
On the border in El Paso
we try to unite
as Americans.
But we fail: collectively,
and miserably.
We can't agree
(some can't even see)
that we are unique.
Multi-cultural!
Not bi-cultural.
Bilingualism divides us.
English isolates us.
And we turn our backs
to avoid confrontation.
We wait in silence.
Acculturation should be our goal,
not ethnic isolation.
Insular and sporadic
equates to separatism.
We must assimilate!
I am multi-cultural.
You call me 'Anglo.'
True, I am American born.
But none-the-less
I am multi-cultural.
For I am Indian, German,
and Irish, too.
Also French, Scottish,
and English.
Proud to be an American!
Fellow El Pasoans, will you
join me as Americans
in the creation of a
united, multi-cultural
metropolis?
