[This is dedicated to all the OFWs and other wandering souls searching for their place in the world. May you find your way back home safely this holiday season. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!]
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Once again we reach the end of yet another year
of life pursued
of dreams caressed
that finding home is near;
Each moment spent thinking of you
joyfully reminiscing
was fuel for a soul that waits
that counts the days remaining
until the boy
now turned a man
treks back to Pilipinas
his home
his love
his life
his heart
his happiness awaiting…
to exhale
is the pay-off I’ve been eyeing
searching patiently for when
I, too,
can do what others routinely take for granted:
going home
being home
being whole among blood relatives;
Nothing against those who are fictive
I am not knocking the new bonds we create in order to survive
social support glitters like gold,
and like gold it is valuable;
But I need more
we all need more
of the soothing warmth of unconditional love;
Ultimately
true family is true love.
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Blood is thicker than…
…water has kept our islands apart since time immemorial
but must it also keep our loved ones separated
across nations far flung?
Can we not imagine a better way to prosper together
under one roof?
.
From that bridge of hope we use to transport our love
across nations far flung
just to make ends meet back home
should always hang a banner,
“I heart an OFW!”
for an OFW is my father,
my mother,
my sister,
my brother
is my keeper
and their sacrifices keep us hewn together.
.
It is beyond belief that their humble human labor
does prop up the economy of one nation divided.
..
Once a year we remember them
we honor them with the gaudy colors of gratitude shaded with guilt
when perhaps all we need to do
is to say simply with a deep embrace
“It is OK to stay home.”
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~ R. Bong Vergara, 12/23/2011
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