Official Entry for Steem Summit's Call for Poetry

Photo not mine.

Hi guys!

I'm sharing to you one of my very personal poems. It took me a lot of courage to write this. I have been struggling with self acceptance all my life. I knew I was n't straight since I was 15. I just recently came out and received mixed reactions. Unfortunately, some of my family members were not pleased. I went down from being "the best daughter" to "such a disgrace" real quick. But if there is one thing that I truly regret, that is not coming out sooner. Life is happier when you're honest about who you are. I did lose some people, but those were the toxic ones. Now I am cultivating a healthier circle, full of love and acceptance. Being honest with yourself attracts the right and genuine people in your life.

Gabi-gabi ay minamasdan ko ang langit
Walang sawang nakatitig sa mga bituing nakasilip

Ano kaya ang sekreto nila?
Bakit kahit sa kadilima'y nanatili silang maganda?
Minsa'y hiniling ko na sana, katulad ng mga tala, ako'y malaya

Malayang magniningning kahit na puno ng galit at poot ang aking dibdib
Malayang kikinang kahit hindi ako tanggap ng aking paligid

Naririnig ko pa ang kanilang mga halakhak,
Bawat pagtawang sa aki'y tumatatak
Maaaring hindi mo alam ngunit batid ko,
lahat ng masasakit na salitang sinambit mo upang kutyain ang aking pagkatao

Minsan gusto kong sumigaw
Tama na!
Bakit ba kailangan nating husgahan ang tao base sa kasarian nila?
Hindi ba pwedeng tingnan na lamang sila
bilang mabuting anak,
bilang taong may pangarap?

Ngunit ngayo'y tatapusin ko,
Ang pagkagapos sa takot at pighating idinulot mo,
Kung galit ang iyong sandata'y pag ibig sa sarili ang ipanlalaban ko,
At tulad ng mga tala'y lalaya na rin ako.