I Am Poem from Mahlikah Aweri workshop

During the June 13 workshop, participants worked in pairs and triads and collaborated on the I Am Poem. Here's a poem from one of the groups.


I am Mangubat, Leyte, Aguilocko
I respect Truth, Fear
I honestly deserve to be heard
I am proud of the journey, and being uncertain of what the journey is
I am not afraid of asking for what I deserve
I am my ancestors. My ancestors live in me
I honor my body, the histories, and continuity of my body
I know that uncertainty is okay
I love my scars and battles even if they hurt
I question everything, myself too often
I am part of the story of my ancestors
I live with intention
I speak with conviction
I envision being whole, or being okay with not being whole
I believe I can survive
I am on a journey to find my truth
I am powerful when I have choice when my back is against a wall
I am most grateful for relationships, acestors, family
I am deeply thankful for the struggles that got me here
I am ready