kay_mulan | I have seen

the war with both hands,
1980's
born into
a civil war.

I have seen
my grandmothers crying,
telling me the proper way
with black lace
over their heads.

I have seen,
the Cebu Zoo

rife with life,
but not Greater LA, yet.

I have seen,
the devastated forest,

turned into wasteland, some

others turned into ripe, bursting
life giving farms.

I have seen my greatgrandfather
Catalino

my grandfather
Lorenzo,

the Spanish names
with Chinese faces

wives and daughters
playing Mah Jongg

nannies and governesses
and maids
still in their teens,

Malacanang is...

another world, just like
going outside in Metro Manila,

I pray for trees.

I have worked, and I have seen.

I have gained much, along
with money; I paid my taxes.

I worry for us, because not everybody

sees what I see.

I pray for us, and your prayer
joins my prayer.

Everlasting, these prayers,

may you learn to pray ceaselessly

because you have not seen
what I have seen

but we care for each other. copyright Sacia Dimataga 2018