Native Freedom Roots Poem by Mona Lisa Aspiras

I wish I can find myself.
Belonging to my native country.
A true native, amidst the
Coconut palms and sandy beaches.
Riding the wild, colorful jeepneys,
Careening to and fro amidst
the busy streets of Manila, Los Banos, and Balanga.

I hope to mingle amongst my people.
I will eat the native delicacies.
And celebrate all the holy festivals,
religious pageants, and family reunions,
countless as they are.

I will participate in hours-long afternoon siestas.
Without air conditioning, I will sweat like a pig,
losing weight until I become
Svelte, young and pretty, like the young mestizas.

My skin will become soft and supple like theirs.
Why?
Because coming from a well-to-do family,
I will have:
maids,
drivers,
cooks,
and gardeners,
working under me.
I will become a senorita, free to
wander and squander my life under the
Philippine sun,
and do whatever pleases me at the moment.

So, the question is, will I be happy?
With all this freedom.