2024/Julianna-

I am from Pearl of Orient Seas,

from red, white, blue, and yellow.

I am from the lovely noises under the songs.

The breeze, and the splashes, it tasted like freedom.

I am from the beach

the salty ocean and the sandy shores

whose love of the corals I remember

as if they were my own.

I’m from the glitzy suns and crystal water,

from Sampaguita Jasmine and volleyball.

I’m from the humid summers and the

gentle winds,

from lumpia and pancit!

I’m from The Windy City

with a strumming guitar

and ten melodies I can play myself.

I’m from dandelions and feathery, white chrysanthemums,

delightful echo and “I love you”.

From the grandmother’s voice lost

to the reminder,

used to keep me happy.

Under my bed was a purple box

spilling memories,

a glimpse of fantasies

to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments

of peace before I awoke with lovely dreams falling from clouds.