TAYO Literary Magazine"For our culture, by our culture."tayoliterarymag@gmail.com
Poetry
“Big Eyes” a poem by Richard Candela
Share “Big Eyes” by Richard Candela The very first time someone says you have big eyes I want you to thank them, anak Shake their hand if possible, firm too If too early on, then an extra joyous drop of drool would suffice Smile Cuz then you’d have my eyes, anak Big cuz they’re eager [...]
“Pinay, Household Service Worker” a poem
Share “Pinay, Household Service Worker” by Emeniano Acain Somoza, Jr. (Because nothing will prepare you for the sorrow of watching a shadow swallow the heart of your trembling dream.) Tell me how this hearting can leave you shaking each time you see her: culture-scar(r)ed
“Why I Raise the Curve” a poem by Albert Ong
Share “Why I Raise the Curve” by Albert Ong Crickets chirp and make love while my pen scurries along paper jotting words and numbers, the cup of tea Mom prepared still untouched.
“Paper Memories” a poem by Mark Chinen
Share “Paper Memories” by Mark Chinen Dear Sadie, how ya doing baby? The hill’s lonely without ya, but I’m still blazing hazy And lately I think I’m gonna start back school again Maybe even pick up that paper and pen Just wanted to check in and see how’s the city treating ya I know you [...]
“Filipino at Heart” a poem by Karl Salting
Share Filipino at Heart by Karl Salting From one Filipino to another You’ll understand me completely Culture and tradition live on deep within me Like a mother’s touch through the first stages of futility One never forgets, we all learn humility
“Ravel” a poem by Eileen Regullano
Share Ravel by Eileen Regullano This stream of consciousness is beautiful. It is inexplicable. This stream of consciousness flows through the air, winding its way along the valleys, mountains and plains.
“Bayang Magiliw, I Do Not Come From You”
Share “Bayang Magiliw, I Do Not Come From You” by Melissa Sipin I come from a land of a thousand islands, of round, tanned coconuts, lush, yellow mangoes and never-ending dirt roads— No. I come from a suburban town, with neighborhoods and houses
“You Are So Lucky” a poem by Adeste Sipin
Share “You Are So Lucky” by Adeste Sipin You are so lucky To never have your identity questioned To never feel like “who you are” is regarded as “a choice” To never have others invalidate you You are so lucky
“First Plane Ride” a poem by Elsa Valmidiano
Share “First Plane Ride” by Elsa Valmidiano You board the plane, 4-year-old lil’ boy with the sweetest smile, but no smile this morning. You are lost, confused, and you wonder what you did wrong to be sitting next to an old man on an airplane who isn’t your Tatang, Tiyo, Lilong, or Ninong.
“Fanning Sunday” a poem by Mark Villegas
Share “Fanning Sunday” by Mark Villegas The mass fans oily faces Soggy backs Wooden pews creaking and pinching A grandma arrests her hands behind her A church bulletin flicks
“Line 2: Makinig” a poem by John Michael Lopez
Share “LINE 2: Makinig” by John Michael Lopez At first scent I come along and walk through the pale-faced crowd sa gabi when all is said.
A poem by Herman Tabin
Share “1896 sa pag-inog ng daigdig sa 1996″ by Herman Tabin nakabibingi ang langitngit ng gilotin sa leeg ni gomburza sa halakhak ng armalayt sa pinulutang utak ni favali; umaalingawngaw ang kkk sa pinaglabanan, sa binakayan, sa tirad pass, sa corregidor, sa capas, sa mendiola, sa plasa miranda;
“My Pinas Breakfast: Now and Then” by Melba Abela
Share “My Pinas Breakfast: Now and Then” by Melba Abela THEN: My all brown preska Pinas breakfast Pan de sal bread of sweat brown crusty outside fluffy
“In the Kitchen Chopping Vegetables” by Jenny Lares
Share “In the Kitchen Chopping Vegetables” a poem by Jenny Lares She’s chopping carrots on the bamboo cutting board the knife slicing, permanently and irrevocably. She asks me when I came home last night in the beat to the blade rocking on the board.
“Buena Park” a poem by Diana Arbas
Share “Buena Park, California” by Diana Arbas I. We slide into a corner booth at Imperial Burgers. Coffee sits on the table, cooling off. Ed’s miffed. Th’old guy up front gave me a mean look, baby.
“Monologue” a poem by Sean Manzano
Share “Monologue” by Sean Manzano When I was four months old your grandfather saluted quarterdeck officers traditions says “New Dads” dress white disembark first Ponchatoula’s gangway.
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