I AM (Free Verse)

I am not afraid anymore…

 

I am strong enough

Pliant like the bamboo

Strong as the Narra tree

Persistent like a carabao

A child of Jose Rizal.

 

I am optimistic…

 

Like an eagle, I know I can fly high

I possess the beauty of Sampaguita

But can defend myself

As  Arnis has taught me

Therefore I am easy

But can move on with such simplicity

I face the sun every morning

And whisper my prayers to the sky

For my dreams

And hopes

And life.

 

I am dignified…

 

To carry the blood of my heroes

To live in this bountiful land-

The Pearl of the Orient Seas.

Yes, I am honored

To be who I am-

A survivor

I am the product of the strong past

And the future of my nation.

 

I am who I am…

 

I am a Filipino.

Author's Note

I am a survivor. In my veins, run the blood of my heroes...

Special credits to:
"I Am A Filipino" by Carlos P. Romulo which is one of my inspirations in writing this piece, and
Google images for the attached pics


Free Verse (vers libre) Poetry is written in either rhyme or unrhymed lines that have no set fixed metrical pattern.

Reviews

[gabrielle]

A beautiful tribute to us. it reminded me so much of I am a Filipino by Carlos Romulo
"I am a Filipino - inheritor of a glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As such I must prove equal to a two-fold task- the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future."
It's brilliant of you to incorporate our national symbols in this piece.

[Dhaye]

Hehe. Kaya nga pinutol ko yung title kasi meron ng pla ng I am a Filipino ni Carlos P. Romulo at baka e-compare ng Filipino readers. Ni-recite mo pa ha? Memorized ni Neneng. Alam ko kung bakit...Hehe.
Kalabaw lang sana yan. Gusto ko sanang ipakita na katulad ako ng kalabaw, kaso walang writer's block eh, nung nagta-type na yan na ang lumabas.

Thanks, Gab.

[gabrielle]

yes, i could still recite the first paragraph of that beautiful essay.. oh, baka gusto mo pa yung "land of the bondage, land of the free"... lol.. welcome, dhaye. =)

[Dhaye]

Hehehe. Thanks you're here. Pinasaya mo ako. Angel yata kita, Gab.

[FelicityAllona]

This made me smile. :)) I am a Filipino. Great work!

[Dhaye]

Thank you!

[FelicityAllona]

Your welcome! :))

[Tate Morgan]

Bravo a great statement of coming into ones own By the way i love the music you use i sit and listen to it for long periods

[Dhaye]

LOL. I don't have any music here.How come you listened for long periods. Hehe
Thanks for dropping by. =)

[Tate Morgan]

on your front page

[Eddie Davis]

Very nice, confident and proud, it is very good to read those with national pride.

[Dhaye]

Thank you, Eddie. I'm always proud to be a Filipino. =)

[SquinklaPsyOps]

I like the message in the poem, it credits ancestors visions that place us where we are now and inspires responsibility to motivate for tomorrow. Excellent tribute to generations.

[Dhaye]

We must love our own nation because we are who we are living on it's precious ground...
Thank you for the visit!

[Frieda P]

Bravo, lots of depth in your words...had to look up José Rizal, a noble gesture on his behalf and a fine shout out to your heritage and ethnicity... authentic read, muchly enjoyed Dhaye.

[Dhaye]

Thank you. Jose Rizal is our National Hero. The pics and also the things mentioned in my poem are the our national symbols.
Thank you for the time Frieda.

[Frieda P]

Was my pleasure, always love it when I come away learning something new....

[Ency Bearis]

A patriotic thoughts and a revelation who you are with strong words of what is a Filipino by nature.

[Dhaye]

Thank you, Sir. I think we met under this piece somewhere else? lol

[Ency Bearis]

Yes, you posted this in Facebook as I remember.

[Antonio Valentino]

what an endearing poem to represent such a warm and generous people..

oh and i love their food too.. lumpia, pancit, etc..

yes be dignified.. what a sweet and honorable piece

:)

[Dhaye]

How do you know such foods? Have you been here?
Thank you so much, AV. :)

[Antonio Valentino]

ive had many wonderful Filipino friends who are amazing cooks.. plus im a chef by trade and we teach Filipino cuisine in our program... :)

[Dhaye]

Wow! That's good to hear. Thanks for acknowledging my fellow countrymen there.

[Antonio Valentino]

it was my pleasure Dhaye.. you're making me hongry haha.. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

What a wonderful introspective write this is. The similes are stunning and the empowerment is intense. You are proud of your heritage as well you should be. Fantastic poetry. lydi**

[Dhaye]

Thanks, Lydi.

[Jack...]

This is wonderful my friend. Taking pride in yourself and your heritage is the first step in becoming the very best that you can be. I can hear the positive tones in this piece screaming at the top of their lungs...I am me!!! Very nicely done.

[Dhaye]

Thanks a lot, Jack.