By Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm

Written for James on his 18th birthday

18,
The day Hitler died(1945)
Saigon fell(1975)

You were born kid(1999)
A pale baby,
Your heritage, the isles of the Philippines

Born on the island of Australis
Skin deepened
In the land of giant birds

A smiling baby
Brooding young youth
To shouldering the world

You are just 18:
Much to learn
Ego to earn
Infinite paths

You are but 18.

Happy birthday kid.

M

NB. A recollection of 30/4/2017, there’s hope yet in our children.