In Bulosan's Words

We don’t talk about the distance
We don’t talk about the hunger
Perhaps since we don’t talk
They cannot tell we’re going under
Perhaps that we’ve been fearful of not doing what we’re told
Oh it’s easy being silent, but it ain’t easy being alone

In a land where I'm a stranger
Is a land where I am numb
I cross the street shadows to hope the whole world won’t find out
My rights are still translucent
As a sharp wind in the cold
Oh it’s easy being quiet, but it ain’t easy being alone

I learned that poverty is normal
I learned the language hurts my tongue
I learned the jobs are scarce like cutlery
And sharp as hunger to my stomach
My bravery still nameless, in expressionless expression
Oh it’s being quiet
But it don’t leave much room for questions

When can we live to love forgiveness?
When can my brothers know their names?
Will we ever find the balance
Of sharing land in the same place?
I feel the new world slowly blooming
As the old one starts to mold
Oh it’s easy being quiet, it ain’t easy being alone

So grab your friends and brothers
Tell them you are done
The war’s gone long without us
Using the ammo of our tongues
I see justice in each pea pod
And every hand that’s gone to feed it
Because I'm tired of being quiet
Yes I am tired of being silent
Because my soul is yet defeated