Unhyphenated Me

By Harry Berndt

 

I am unhyphenated ; not counted, and of no account.

 no parades for me, no toasts of beer

or wine; no festivals, no old langsyne.

people take no notice that

I am here.

 

My being here is unexplained

 if I am pained.

 I never make a fuss. I am a one

 and not an us. you see.

I am unhyphenated and free, yes free --- but

Yet I am here

 

On summer days I roam the streets

and seek those feasts

 of pies and cakes

and different meats.

 I fear

I am the only one who knows that

 I am here.