Ang Lola Ako

The clock continually ticks away as the morning progresses

Your delicate face is streaked with yellow sunlight

It is another one of those weekday mornings 

My brother and I, eating our breakfast silently as you speak

I gaze upon your delicate, fragile face as your words dance about my head and sink into my mind

You share yet another story with us - this one I have heard many times before

One of the hardships you have endured and the privileges we have in America 

In your eyes, our education is one of richness and opportunity

Your eyes twinkle as you carefully search for words within your mind

I did not fully understand the meaning of your words, but now I do

Lola, I still remember those mornings filled with your voice,

Your story of the Philippines - your home

Your encouraging words to myself and Jonah

Urging us to succeed, pushing us towards what seemed unreachable

I will pursue a life full of success and joy

I will strive and thrive to engulf myself in bliss

Bliss, that I owe to you Lola,

Sitting across from me at our intimate little kitchen table

In your creaky wooden chair.