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Jada Mendoza

Seattle

Featured image for Balikbayan

Balikbayan

Ako’y nadapa sa ibayong lupa—
Simoy sampaguita’y napaalat sa lamig ng bagong hangin.

Kami sa libong-libo’y napadala sa pagmamahal,
Dala’t aming mahal sa mamahaling sakripisyo,
Nakakahon ng mahigpit tulad ng aking yakap
Kanyang
bigat
nanggaling sa asin ng aking pawis.

Isang araw ako’y makakabalik sa aking tahanan
Katulad ng pinangalan.

Return Home

I stumbled onto the opposite side of the Earth—
Jasmine breeze salted by the coldness of new air.

We in thousands are sent by love,
Carrying our love in expensive sacrifices,
Boxed in tight like my embrace
Its
weight
from the salt of my sweat.

One day I will also return to my home
Just like I was named.

Original language: Tagalog
Translated by: Poet