Mahalaga Phebe M. Ferrer
this is how i say important in mother’s tongue with deep vowels flushed cheeks shaky voice
Mahalaga empty seats at the table’s head Mahalaga growing under strong mothers
this is my language every single vowel intonation pause conveys meaning Mahalaga i care about you you are important to me i love you Mahalaga understanding why we are here instead of home Mahalaga parents wanting better lives for my sisters and me Mahalaga knowing why grandfathers left their families
Mahalaga because love is costly Mahalaga a family tree stretched over three continents Mahalaga leaving always leaving i want to stay Mahalaga learning to let go of hands i’ve held for so long Mahalaga understanding why i had to leave Mahalaga uncertainty 135
