Cultuurschok: Hoe je Spreekt Nederkaans:
Pluizige dobbelstenen hangen aan de
achteruitkijkspiegel van een gele
schoolbus.
Een dankgeving kalkoen zit achterin.
You drive several miles to a Dutch grocery
store to find speciaal Gouda kaas,
het soort dat smelt als kindertijd op jouw tong
and reminds you of the cows on Opa’s old farm.
On the drive back home
you can almost see the village windmills
turning in the distance,
but you know in your hart, that place is long gone.
Je kan nergens anders naartoe.
Sheila Verkaik (she/they/he) is a fourth year student of modern history and creative writing at SUNY Purchase. Originally from Harlem, their work is often inspired by their New York City upbringing, the world around them, and the past. Recently, Sheila has been taking an interest in her Dutch heritage and citizenship and has endeavored to start learning Dutch. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his education in the Netherlands.