Becoming Southern: 10 Autoethnographic Polaroids

I call it "the great emptying." This business of making and re-making of the self. The immigrant self, that is:I hold a bucket in my handPiled high with memoriesOf Delhi, India,I begin Swirling,Swinging it over headHolding in a deep-deep breath,Throwing it out, away, as far as I canBack to where it belongsThe pastI call it The Great Filling. This business of making and re-making of the self. The immigrant self, that is:I hold a bucket in my handFilling it with memories,Of Athens and SapeloI begin swirling,Swinging it over my headHolding in a deep deep breathPouring it all over meOver My PlaceMy Deep South