My Life so far (My 26th year)

I was seven or eight or nine or ten
and I remember the wide green fields of palay
just before harvest time
spread out like great patches of vibrant bermuda grass

I remember the fields drying during summertime
The once green fields
turn into cracked patches of earth with zigzag lines
like spider webs
covered with silver stalks of harvested palay

I remember the now old school with the lonely benches,
marble floors with red tiles, bougainvillas,
cold mobile flagpoles, and steel fenced gardens

I remember the now small city, where everything is near;
everything is quaint and I know it so well

I remember leaving,
It was hard but I left anyway.
The lonely boat rides, going home
and leaving again.

I remember the loneliness going away
and settling in the new life that waited for me

I remember meeting new people and
growing into friendships

I remember experiencing life like I've never experienced before

I remember talking, praying and dancing before God.

I remember holding back the tears when my studies ended.

I remember the tiring walks and bus rides when I was looking for work.

I remember being fit and proud of my body

I remember getting chubbier and promising to myself that I will get thinner

I remember being confident in who I am and what I can do.

I remember the sleepless nights in law school,
the agony of lousy recitations and exams,
and the joys of a good one.

I remember being honest

I remember being finally good at work and being very good at what I do.

I remember falling in love with all the smiles and tears that it brings

I remember love slipping away from me and I can't do anything about it.

I remember travelling to the other side of the world and living a dream,

I remember waiting for love to come.

I remember where I am right now.

I remember you.

I remember my life so far.