Image by Helena Lopes from Unsplash.We often hear names told to anyone. Quite sometimes, they're rude. In the face of adversity, we can observe such situations as well. Discrimination exists, and we sometimes feel it permeates the atmosphere, taking a toll on what should have been a harmonious society.
In light of this, here is a poem to open up everyone's eyes - a limelight that can be held to light up the dark tunnel of prejudices and discrimination.
In the land I was born in and the society I grew up in, I was worried
Sometimes I asked myself, "is it still suited?"
Young or old, discrimination is happening left and right
There is also a man who despises his wife.
Once, while I was walking on the road
I heard a boy crying, "you're gay," words that were told
The two children who said such words were carefree
But they stopped, and when they were scolded, they sped off suddenly
While I took the bus to the market for an errand
I came across a standing woman
Next to him sat a muscular and fine man
I was sad; a smile immediately disappeared from my lips.
When I came down, I met someone who was crying
In the job she applied for, she was not accepted
She added they were looking for someone else
I can't explain it, but that's not what it should be.
I just keep walking on the street
I asked myself, "is gender the measure of ability?"
Why do some view women as submissive?
They weren't, so open up your mind.
In the land I was born in and the society I grew up in, I am really concerned
Is there any respect left for each other?
Do they even know this word?
Or they were simply swallowed up by the sad system.
My feelings seem inexplicable
I want to say don't be fake
Do not indulge in improper behavior
Do the right thing and give respect.
My voice is getting hoarse; I won't stop thou.
Such a thing shouldn't be ignored; I want to convey this poem to the audience.
If a woman can do something, why should she be judged?
Give them freedom, and make it loud.
Let's stand up to end discrimination
Let your words be expressed and heard even beyond our nation
Let us help them wake up to reality and do the right thing
Explain the word respect for each other, it's not too much for something.
A big hug for every citizen, regardless of gender
Warm welcome and respect for each other
It is not yet late, and weary of engaging in good ways
Not only today but also tomorrow and forever.
In Filipino
Image by Helena Lopes from Unsplash.Minsa’y napatanong sa sarili, “tama pa ba?”
Kaliwa’t kanan ang diskriminasyong nagaganap, bata man o matanda
Mayroon pang lalaki na minamaliit ang kaniyang asawa.
Minsan, habang ako’y naglalakad sa kalsada
May narinig akong batang umiiyak dahil sinasabihan siyang bakla
Tuwang-tuwa pa ang dalawang bata na nagsabi ng katagang iyon sa kaniya
Pero huminto’t biglang kumaripas ng takbo noong sila’y aking sinita.
Habang ako nama’y sumakay ng bus papuntang palengke
May naabutan ako na nakatayong ale
Sa tabi niya’y isang nakaupo na maskuladong lalaki
Ako’y nalungkot at agad nawala ang ngiti sa aking mga labi.
Nang ako’y bumaba, may nakasalubong ako na umiiyak
Sa kaniyang inaaplyang trabaho, hindi raw siya natanggap
Dagdag niya’y totoong lalaki raw ang hanap
Hindi ko maipaliwanag pero hindi iyon ang nararapat.
Patuloy lang ang aking paglalakad sa lansangan
Napatanong sa sarili, kasarian nga ba ang sukatan ng kakayahan?
Ang mga babae’y sunod-sunoran na lang?
Siyempre hindi, kaya’t lawakan at buksan ang isipan.
Sa lupang sinilangan at lipunang kinagisnan, ako ay talagang nababahala
May natitira pa kayang respeto sa bawat isa?
Ang salitang ito, alam pa ba kaya nila?
O sadyang nilamon na lang talaga sila ng nakakalungkot na sistema.
Damdamin ko’y tila hindi maipaliwanag
Nais kong sabihin na huwag maging huwad
Huwag magpapalamon sa hindi wastong pamamalakad
Gawin ang tama at magbigay respeto sa lahat.
Boses ko ma’y napapaos na, hindi pa rin titigil kahit naghihikahos na
Opinyon ko’y ayaw kong mabalewala; tulang ito’y nais kong iparating sa madla
Kung kaya ng isang babae gawin ang isang bagay bakit kailangang husgaan pa?
Bigyan naman sila ng kalayaan at gawin ang tama.
Ako ay tatayo upang ipaglaban ang mga ito
Ihahayag ang mga opinyong ito at hindi matatakot sa mga mapanghusgang bunganga
Tutulungan ko silang gumising na sa realidad at gawin ang wasto
Ipapaliwanag ang salitang respeto para sa bawat isa.
Isang mahigpit na yakap para sa bawat mamamayan anuman ang kasarian
Mainit na pagtanggap at respeto sa bawat isa’y sana makamtan
Hindi ako magpapahuli at mapapagod sa pakikisangkot sa mabuting paraan
Hindi lang ngayon kundi pati na rin bukas at magpakailanman.
