Sometimes when I walk into a room

I search for another Asian face 

the contours of our eyes-

monolid and hooded

the object of taunts

smooth slanted eyes

don’t smile too wide

disappearing lines.

Lids pulled back 

my cheeks burn hot 

I want to fade away.

How was school today 

my mother asks

every 

day 

Does she notice that I hide behind 

my small brown eyes

inside the silent spaces

of my body’s burden?

Sometimes when I walk into a room

I search for another Asian face-

and when I find her,

I see myself

and I feel less alone.