0 Homeward Bound

Steps back in time I trace.
Across continents and oceans I must lace.
I head back to the land from whence my family came;
A land they fled with no blame.
To keep their lives, they had to leave
And in America they did believe.
Now I am Armenia-bound to see
What my country has to hold for me.
I hope to see my grandfather's village,
Washed clean by time of rape and pillage.
Though, better yet, I hope his little home has prospered and grown
With the determination and pride so many Hye have shown.
Dreams aside, Armenia will be odd.
I mean, I'm an American interloper, by God!
My Armenian blood only runs so deep.
There are so few traditions I truly keep.
But we shall see, we shall see
What Armenia has in store for me.

--Marcus M., 18