Who I am from my life growing up in Southeast Asia. |
I am from foreign faces, From busy streets that have no rules Engulfed in air pollution. I am from Calamansi trees, From crystal clear seas And coral of every color. I am from the unhidden dangers, From bomb scares to kidnappings That happen two weeks later. But I am from beautiful cultures, From gorgeous landscapes That some may never see. I am from endless hills of rice terraces, From bamboo trees to mangroves, Full of the strangest creatures. And I am from the International School, From kids of 50 nations Gathered to be called Bearcats. I am from Lupang Hinirang, From chicken and rice Pamelo and bolut. I am from armed guards, From gated neighborhoods Of Asian palaces. I am from marble floors, Full of Chinese furniture Enclosed by 20 foot ceilings. I am from experiences of a lifetime, That most will never understand. I am from the Merlion to the Audobahn, The Great Wall to the Outback. I am from island resorts to city hotels, From jungles to oceans From scuba diving in Cebu To elephant rides in Phuket. I am from a mass of black hair. And the only blonde in the crowd. I am from the scent of Tamarind, From the taste of exotic foods That I almost learned to love. I am from 7000 islands, From 16 unique countries, Four amazing continents, Hundreds of photographs, And countless memories. |