Month: December 2023

Tatay’s Tree

Marinelle CabilloLeave a comment

We put up your Christmas tree as a family this year.

A tradition I’m forcing on everyone for the sake of your memory and red velvet cake.

How odd it was to see your tree somewhere other than your house.

This tree has witnessed many of our Sunday dinners and celebrations throughout the years.

We used all of your original ornaments which are still intact.

When I looked closer, I couldn’t help but laugh.

There are so many things on that tree where you’ve left your mark.

Why are the glass ornaments being held up by bread twist ties?

And why did you have so many bread twist ties readily available?

I thought the star that lives on top of the tree was broken, the foam on the top and bottom were split through by plastic leaves.

Only to think it through and know you definitely did it on purpose to make it look like a shooting star.

You were so particular with everything, I know there are no accidents made on that tree.

For the first time since you’ve left, it’s actually starting to feel a lot like Christmas…

Blank Pages

Marinelle CabilloLeave a comment

There’s something so satisfying about new stationery.

The blank crisp pages are just waiting to be written on.

And we are the writers – in complete control of our own destiny.

If only you knew the journey it took to actually live by that.

I pick up my pen, excited to have the free will to write my own story.

For the first time ever, the lack of a step-by-step plan doesn’t scare me.

How liberating it is to know that life can be whatever I want it to be.

The new plan is to not force a plan.

It is written only because I decided to write it.

12/11/23

Marinelle CabilloLeave a comment

We say, “Free Palestine.”

They claim anti-Semitism.

We post, “Free Palestine.”

They say we are uninformed.

We march peacefully chanting, “Free Palestine.”

They label you a threat.

No matter what, your alliance with Palestine will always be a problem.

For the freedom fighters in Palestine who are begging to be heard…

We hear you.

Today, we tried to show the world what solidarity can do.

Wish Them Well

Marinelle CabilloLeave a comment

I’ve learned that I will never win if I match animosity with animosity.

Because in the end, I’ve always just dimmed my own light.

I refuse to let the actions of others ever get the best of me.

I refuse to let someone else’s character take me out of mine.

I refuse to have my heart tainted holding onto grudges of the past.

Some people are not meant to be in every chapter of your book.

Regardless, no one will ever have to question where they stand with me.

Never will I ever wish ill will on anyone – even if I am not met with that same kindness.

Wish them well anyways.