Oriental, by Rebecca Yang

You are beautiful, the model says,
Her silk sleeves falling into your hair
As she lifts your chin up delicately.

See, you have that traditional look
To you—
Thin eyes, angular nose,
Elongated face

She steps back to admire you,
The air thickening with sage
Yes, this is what the Americans like:

Oriental, another word for
Eastern, another word for
Exotic, another word for
Outsider, yet beautiful.

They are the center, we are the strangers.
They are the buyers, we are the products.

You say nothing as the model walks away.
You smile nervously.

It’s a compliment, after all.

You are beautiful.