Around this time I usually think about family and loved ones who have passed away. November 2 is Undas (All Saints’ Day), my favorite Filipino holiday. It’s a time for us to pause, gather at the cemetery, and honor our family and ancestors.
I’ve been trying to write this poem for a year; I was finally able to write it earlier this month although it’s still a work in progress. I hope it brings some comfort.
A translation
It’s been a year
since my uncle and aunt passed away,
two months apart.
One, unexpectedly.
The other, the inevitable release of air.
It’s been a year
since they died and I still
don’t understand why we say in English:
I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry.
The same words we use to make excuses,
to admit fault or responsibility—
words spoken sometimes with sarcasm.
Ordinary, common words for something that isn’t ordinary at all.
My friend explains to me that in Korea
there is a specific phrase they use when the president dies.
A phrase only used in that instance.
A death considered so sacred and so precious
even the words bow down and pay their respects.
In Tagalog, we say:
Nakikiramay kami.
A translation:
We sympathize.
This is what I hear:
Nakikiramay kami.
We are with you.
We are here, with you.
three generations 