Mama

I’ll be going back to the Philippines this Saturday, just in time for my mother’s 70^th birthday. I am thirty years old now and by doing simple math, you’ll see that she was 40 when she had me. That’s why I can’t stop her every time she treats me and my brother (yes, I still have a brother, 28) like 5-year-olds. LOL!

Taking a week’s off is not enough to show how much I love her. Sorry if the succeeding parts are cliché-filled. She is my inspiration and I really have high respect towards her. She taught me how to face the problems with a smile and its one of the traits I proudly possess. Words can’t really describe how much I value her. I guess it’s the same feeling a child feel for their mothers.

Every year, I keep on re-posting this poem I wrote for her. It’s my way of appreciating the things she had done to our family and at the same time a promise of my continuous love for her.

Hammock

You were the hammock ---
when my world was moonless
until pastel-colored stars shone
on me. You swayed me against the threats
of seasons, never tired holding
the weave of love.

I hold onto the weave of love,
won’t be tired to sway you safely
against the threats of seasons.
As ashen stars crowd over you,
until your world be moonless ---
I am your hammock.

Happy Birthday Ma!

Don’t worry, I will always be your totomai.

Palangga ka namon!

/totomai
02/29/08

If 2008 isn't a leap year, today is March 1 (my mama's bday), hehe