IDENTITY

There we lay on hazy beaches
speaking words that had no meaning
to your ears.
Cacophony of sound not quite acquired,
children playing in sandy waters.
There we walked on muddy paths
counting days until our freedom
as you laughed.
Such foolish proclamations.
Teenage angst and confused sorrow
now so easy to forget.
I took my first step
on the desert’s arid soil,
to the tune of rattled tails
and distant howls.
My skin pales in winter’s sun
and my tongue knows the common language.
To you I am but you.
To you I am no more.