~ unapologetically filipina

gazing

from behind her mother’s dress

listening to a dialect

touched by gold

she’s too shy

so her mother speaks for her.

trembling

behind theater curtains

her leo and pink sheer tights remind her to be conscious of her shape

she waits to receive roses, tears, and a warm embrace

but when the show is over

she goes home and hides beneath bed sheets.

dancing

with aged malongs brings her wisdom

and after years of fighting angry words and touch brushed by manipulation

she tells herself

there is no need to hide or tremble

behind her mother’s dress

behind curtains

instead,

she throws off bed sheets

and fiercely shines.

~ unapologetically filipina

[Reflection after my first sem of graduate school, July 2020]

Year 28 – I finally feel free.

Photo credit: @tashaelizarde