W.S. Merwin, "Conqueror"

I've been reading a lot of American history lately, and also discussing the politics of gender quite a bit with friends. Assimilation and passing are fascinating concepts, and this poem points to some of the most important questions about what it means to fit into the dominant paradigm, as well as giving an excellent sense of the subjectivity involved and the more opaque aspects of cultural interpretation. The last line hits like a punch in the gut.

Conqueror

When they start to wear your clothes
do their dreams become more like yours
who do they look like

when they start to use your language
do they say what you say
who are they in your words

when they start to use your money
do they need the same things you need
or do the things change

when they are converted to your gods
do you know who they are praying to
do you know who is praying

for you not to be there

          — W.S. Merwin