by: Leila Tualla
Here’s what I know:
Usa lang ako. I am one.
I am alone.
Mahal ko…..STOP.
Sayap. I am sorry. Words escape me,
And my mother tongue gets duller as I age.
I eat. Macaon.
Masarap - whatever is delicious.
Words and phrases hang in the air like bubbles.
Some pop for me like memories.
Another word. Another phrase.
Other words flee from my grasp.
I miss my Lolo and his words that brought me
comfort; reminding me of home.
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About the author
Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American poet and author. Leila’s books include a YA contemporary romance called, Love, Defined and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. Her poetry is featured in several mental health anthologies and she is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes and identifies.
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