Dreamer

Dear Mom and Dad, 

I’m a Dreamer in more ways than one. I dream about the future before the day’s even begun. Even? I’m odd, quite odd from the start; from your womb, mom, despite problems with your heart. Your guys' love so coveted, I’m blessed; too blessed to be stressed from the mess that we’re in. A mess known as our political system. A mess where the future seems grim, where it’s hard to grin, where we’re filled with chagrin. But I still dream. From the Philippines, the journey was hard. It’s difficult to be far from those you love and lived with your whole life, and face all the turmoils and strife of this new life, pain sharp as a knife. But, we got used to it. Growing up, you sheltered me from the helter, skelter of this world where “innocent” boys and girls may not be so innocent after all. Protection: physical, emotional, intellectual, the commotion of outside blocked by your love. Love, warm as a glove in the cold. When you grow old I’m going to repay you. Like a stray finding their way back home, we’ll go back to the Philippines. I dream about the future and I’m not afraid. A secret revealed not too long ago: “We can’t go back home.” A stream of tears down my face, not ready to face the reality of our legality. This, you couldn’t shelter me from. Dad and mom, your intentions are well. You taught me to read and to spell, greet everyone with “Hello!” and smile, make every moment worthwhile, because we don’t know when the next one will be our last. I remember the past. So clear, yet went by so fast. So innocent and naive, no tricks up my sleeve. But now, with this revelation, that we can’t go back to our home nation, do you think I grieve? I dream about the future and I’m not afraid. Filipino at heart and I’ll take it to my grave. I’m a Dreamer in more ways than one. I dream about my future, and my future’s just begun.
The very best for you, I wish. All of this, from your daughter, Trish.