This word is “safety.”
You will find it in our dictionaries.
Hold the feeling in your mind, but don’t expect it
on our streets with that accent.

Next is “freedom.”
I can teach you to pronounce it,
I can show you that I have it,
(My skin is the right color.)
but do not expect too much of it here.

“Opportunity” is your new word.
Now try it in a sentence–
Opportunity is not for you.
To give you some, we would have to
loosen our grip on our crisp, green dollars.

How will I teach you 
the meaning of this country?
Our symbols and slogans ring hollow.
You can join our melting pot, 
but you will never be the cook.

I will teach you with new words.
Poor offerings, but they are what I have.
The first is “hope.” It will fill your sails
and propel your tired body forward.

Next is “compassion.”
It will give you patience for those souls
who are also worthy, even as they
have closed their eyes and hearts in fear.

“Perseverance” is your new word.
Now try it in a sentence–
I love you for your perseverance.

Let me listen to your story.
Let me join you in your walk,
clear paths for you so long grown over.
We are all students here.