Rebecca Poem by RIC BASTASA

your father killed a friend
of his and
now he is in jail and what
your mother knows
is only to put the kettle
over a fire to make water hot
she does not know how
to make you all siblings
live and grow to be
reliable men and women

and so you are here
with us
to help us on our domestic
chores: wash the dishes
clean the house
nurse grandmother
and cook our meals

years of your hardlife
trust solidifies and now you
tell us that you are going
to marry this hardworking
man from Cotabato

we like you. to stay.
but no we cannot hold you
as your eyes speak of
a flaming love

our hands hold a dove and we
open them
to let this dove fly to her
destiny

just like you rebecca you
shall be free now
go! find the path where
your heaven lies