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Island 4

美洲金銀實可愛
錐股求榮動程來
不第千金曾用盡
犁黑面目為家哉

The gold and silver of America is very appealing.
Jabbing an awl into the thigh in search of glory, I embarked on the journey.
Not only are my one thousand pieces of gold already depleted, but
My countenance is blackened. It is surely for the sake of the family.

Listen to the poem in Cantonese ⏯

Island 125

木樓永別返香江
從此興邦志氣揚
告我同胞談梓里
稍餘衣食莫飄洋

Bidding farewell to the wooden building, I return to Hong Kong.
Henceforward, I will arouse my country and flaunt my aspirations.
I'll tell my compatriots to inform their fellow villagers.
If they possess even a small surplus of food and clothing, they should not drift across the ocean.

Listen to the poem in Cantonese ⏯

Translations:
Lai, H. Mark, Genny Lim, and Judy Yung, eds. Island: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940. Second edition. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2014.