In a sudden fit of homesickness and nostalgia, I wrote this:
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| This is the ramp leading to our front door. |
I am from colorful stoneware plates, from paired spoons and forks,
I am from the red house with many cats and dogs,
I am from the place where fragrant white flowers bloom,
I'm from tall bougainvilleas upon our gates they loom.
I am from very busy Christmas and New Year,
From loving Mother and Father, and Brother dear,
I am from celebrations, forgiveness, love and cheer,
And from other fam'ly members who seem far yet near.
I am from "work hard" and "save up", and "Be Our Guest",
I am from the great place where heroes were laid to rest,
I'm from General Santos City, Zambales, Ilo-ilo, Batangas and Bicol,
And Pancit Palabok, Embutido, Relleno and Binakol.
From daring grandparents who sailed to a strange land,
Where they became pioneers and then fell in love.
They left a chest handed down for four generations,
To a museum, it'll go upon my expiration.
I sorely miss the people, places where I came from,
So I'm trying to make Pohnpei my new hometown.
By my work and toil, I try to make a difference,
For the chances I wasted, I atone to ease my conscience.
