Poem 3

I am distressed that we Chinese are detained in this wooden building. It is actually racial barriers which cause difficulties on Yingtai Island. Even while they are tyrannical, they still claim to be humanitarian. I should regret my taking the risks of coming in the first place.
I thoroughly hate the barbarians because they do not respect justice. They continually promulgate harsh laws to show off their prowess. They oppress the overseas Chinese and also violate treaties. They examine for hookworms and practice hundreds of despotic acts.
Barred from landing, I really am to be pitied. My heart trembles at being deported back to China. I cannot face the elders eat of the river. I came to seek wealth but instead reaped poverty.
Lin, upon arriving America, was arrested, put in a wooden building, and made a prisoner. I was here for one autumn. The Americans did not allow me to land. I was ordered to be deported. When the news was told, I was frightened and troubled about returning to my country. We Chinese of a weak nation can only sigh at the lack of freedom.

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