I fell among these adjectives in earliest childhood

Question

I fell among these adjectives in earliest childhood

and was nearly buried with opportunity
some of them stuck to me others
finding me American and smooth slipped away

What does the speaker of the poem imply about being American?

Answer 1

The speaker implies that being American may make it easier for certain characteristics or opportunities to slip away, as they are seen as "smooth" and less likely to stick and define one's identity. Being American may also be associated with a certain level of privilege and access to opportunities that can shape one's identity.