Monday, August 08, 2005

thanks joy! i've been looking hella hard for this

balikbayan box
Virginia Cerenio

not like chismis
more like an urban myth
how the pilipinos
when receiving a
balikbayan box
gather pamilya-lolo to bunso-
around the box like a hearth,
basking in the imagination of cool ness
a brisk autumn day
a clean ocean breeze
without manila's sooty heat.
it is not the gifts inside the box-
air jordans, T-shirts, magazines, candy bars-
but that moment
cutting through the package tape
when the stiff cardboard is folded back
and the scent of America steps into the room
no Spanish lace
brazen with confidence
and for a downbeat, we imagine
America can come in a box.

1:49 AM
------ Saturday, August 06, 2005

dear summer,

haha...yeah.

3:36 AM
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