I AM FROM

During our Staff Development Day on April 11, 2017, we discussed Culturally Relevant Practices in Math and Writing. During the writing session, we were asked to write poems using the template given to us.

In a sudden fit of homesickness and nostalgia, I wrote this:

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.