I am from the 7, 107 islands, Pearl of the Orient, sun rising
from the east
Where there is beauty and disaster
I am from the typhoons, floods, and fires
where there is camaraderie and smiling faces despite the misfortunes
I am from the clear waters and dirt roads to row houses and commercial
buildings
I am from diaries and stickers
I am from rope games and hide-and-seek, playing ‘till the
sun goes down
I am from the pink barbie rolling backpacks and superhero
lunch box
I am from school parades and marching band
I am from a twin sister and a brother
I am from superstitious beliefs like “jump as high as you
can on new year to be taller”
I am from ghost stories and gossips
I am from the loudest new years, counting from ten to one
(Firecrackers, loud vehicle horns, and fireworks)
I am from traditional Christmas celebrations
From feasts, caroling,
exchange gifts, and Christmas songs played everywhere from September
Hi Mary!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog, it really takes me back to our roots! I remember my family would make me sing our national anthem every single event growing up just to make sure I knew it and would never forget it (believe me after that, I can't even if I tried). I love how you put such a positive twist to all the bad that has happened in the PI, from floods and typhoons, but your words of "there is beauty and disaster" is such a powerful, positive statement to turn that around. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Mary,
ReplyDeleteI thought that your poem was very interesting! you used such a specific word choice that made it captivating.
I can one-hundred relate on the part where you talk about "playing 'til the sun goes down" and the barbie backpacks. Honestly, christmas celebrations are one of my favorite childhood memories. For me, it was one of the best days of the year, with all the food, the games, the laughter and, of course, the gifts from Santa.
Thank you for sharing!
Julianna Jimenez
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love how your poem takes me back when I was still a child. When you mentioned the line "I am from superstitious beliefs like “jump as high as you can on new year to be taller'", this reminded me of a lot of superstitious belief my family has like put coins in your pocket when jumping, round object for new years and all that. I like how you made us readers picture the childhood years. You definitely took me back and made me wish I was still that little child who have nothing to worry about. Great read!
-Mariel Tejada
Nice use of very vivid imagery, sounds, a mixture of concrete details. I like this very much.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, as it brought back memories to my childhood. It amazes me to see how many people can relate to this, as when in the moment you believed you were the only one doing it. With your word choice, I can really paint an image as to the place you are describing and it is really captivating. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to reading your other posts.