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A Torch Song for America by Joel Wong, February 19, 2023

This is a torch song for America,
My unrequited love for you.
You were my knight in shining armor,
But lately, our relations have gone sour.

I arrived on your shores in '63,
The blacks were struggling to be free.
The Civil Rights Act proclaimed in ‘64
Established lofty goals for us all.

Immigration Act passed in ‘65
Welcome diverse immigrants world wide.
Asian population less than a million,
Swelled to 22 in 2 generations. 

You have treated us really kind,
Small inequalities, we don't mind.
Of late, you have taken an ugly notion,
Asian-hatred across our nation!

The problem seems to be China,
Who challenges existing world order.
Our country seems to have forgotten,
Asians are assets to the competition!

America is great because we're diverse,
We hailed from all corners of our universe.
Working diligently and in unison
We can excel over all other nations!

Don’t minimize 'cause we look different,
We can’t afford such intolerance.
Take advantage of our talents,
Cultural understanding is the difference!

Concluding my torch song for America,
About my unrequited love for you.
May our affection for each other,
Grow much fonder in our future!

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