BALIKBAYAN
Six months away to travel
Home to a nostalgic place
Where, once more, I'd be able to capture
The free things:
Mountains, pristine rivers, rice fields, fresh air, etc
My relatives packing all sorts
Used clothing, spam, corned beef, Vienna sausage
Coffee, coffee mates, chocolates, candies
As if those items were not availabe
In any stores except United States.
My childhood I mirror
Daydreaming in the middle of the ricefield
Pulling strings of scarecrows
Washing clothes in the running river
Drying them under the sun.
My childhood brings me back
Climbing guava tree in the backyard
Riding a carabao was a delight
Watching a river gorge
Was a wonder and awe!
I have gone too far.
Now, I am a Balikbayan!
With big boxes in a row
Fascinating pasalubong to everyone
In return
Happy smiles I've got!
Meanings:
Balikbayan -----Overseas Filipino Workers
Pasalubong----a present or a gift
Carabao--------water buffalo
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