Really, where are you from?

This poem is based on an actual incident in my own neighborhood during the lockdown in 2020.  I was “Karened”.  While the incident is real, its description here is not verbatim.
(Karen Meaning & Origin | Slang by Dictionary.com)

Out for daily walk in my neighborhood
Imbibing air infused with Pacific ocean’s effervescence
Taking in the sights of rolling hills, curated flower beds,
manicured lawns, mega million-dollar mansions
Wondering what paradise would be like?

Feeling on top of the world
Minding my own business
Just then jolted by a voice, not just any voice
Not expecting the words uttered
Wondering what was said?

Used to waves, hellos, and good mornings
But it was none of that, something sinister
Voice of a lady, a stranger walking her dog
Asking me a loaded question – “where are you from?”
Wondering why such intrusive question?

At first, I ignored her, but she kept repeating
I said this is my neighborhood, has been for years
I didn’t need to ask her, why this question
Wondering what prompted her to ask?

“Why do you ask?” I said in a friendly voice
She replied sternly, “you look suspicious!”
Unnerving, and disconcerting, though not unexpected
I had not seen her before, a complete stranger
Wondering where is she from?

I ignored her, kept walking and so did she
Not satisfied, she asked again, but in a different tone
– more inquisitive and interrogative this time
I said I moved here from Canada
She gave me a strange look, I could read the meaning
You certainly do not look Canadian!
Wondering what did the dog think of this exchange?

She insisted, this time in a more exasperating tone
Syllables dispensed slowly, stressed with emphasis
Where are you really from?”, she asked
I didn’t want to give her the answer she wanted
I said “I am an American, and a proud one”
Wondering how she would respond?

Really where are you from?”, she asked in an irritating tone
I said “since you insist, I am from the Garden of Eden”
Just like you!
She threatened me by saying “I would call the police
I said “please go ahead” mockingly
Wondering had the dog seen this scene play out before?

From the looks of the dog’s facial expressions
I could tell the dog was getting infuriated
Probably wanting to say not again *****!
Wondering why didn’t she listen to her dog?

We parted our ways
Never to meet again during my walks
Didn’t need to wonder anymore as to where she was from!


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