Mexicana y Americana

I am constantly thinking about
who I am.
I am not dark enough to be Mexican.
I am not white enough to be American.
Therefore, I am neither.
I do not speak Spanish fluently enough to be Mexican.
I do not speak English fluently enough to be American.
Therefore, I am neither.

Having to prove to my brother,
at the age of 7,
that I am Mexican enough by eating chile.
Having to prove to my school,
at the age of 10,
that I am American enough by excelling in English class.

Using palabras en español to prove that I am Mexican.
Usando sophisticated words in English para comprobar que soy Americana.

But why must I prove myself?

I was born in the United States,
pero mis padres son de Mexico.
Therefore, I am both.

I have family in Mexico
and I have family in the United States.
Therefore, I am both.

Yo soy Americana.
I am Mexican.

I am both.