I see you reading your Chinese newspapers
To keep up with this, your world
And the old country
And often, during these times
Or in precious conversation with you
Hindered by language
I have read your reading eyes
And all the tales untold
Gleaning each character
Of my native language
So I can learn to speak
For you
Using this English
For love--is understanding
And so we each know
You are a modest man
Not of words, but of action and deeds

I know
The years kept locked
In the cell of your heart
I know all that you have endured
The struggles for the sake of us, your family
And our happiness in a foreign land
Which became your happiness
I know the depth of your great pride
In our immemorial heritage
And your ideal devotion
Your unspoken accomplishments equal to moving mountains
That you made seem so easy
Just brushing off a bit of dust
I know the fortitude of your patience
And your underlying strength
That enabled you to bear separation
Even when dreams felt hopelessly deferred
I know your beautiful faith and optimism
Which have found fruition in all the generations
That proudly gather around you
I know your selfless generosity
You gave me a gift more precious than love
Freedom
And it ties my heart to you
More tightly than fetters
All this you have never told me
But I have heard your blood pumping in me
Each time I pick up the pen
That you dropped and forsook in youth
And I shall write your words now