Summoning of the evil spirit
I am a witness.
of the evil, shape-shifting
spirit hovering
too nearly
outside my window.
Going around in circles
close to home,
heart,
mind.
Taking in one identity, structure,
or angle today,
then another one
tomorrow...
The 'aswang'—
shape-shifting from its original forms:
injustice.
oppression.
violence.
All these hovering too closely
by my window,
but can never really bring damage
to my home.
Despite the comfort
from these thick walls,
I am still a witness.
Of how the governing reckless power
summoned this evil spirit.
Of how
it wreaked havoc in the middle
of a pandemic.
Being JUST a witness,
I have the choice—
to ignore
this evil spirit and keep my
peace,
or to let the
fear,
anger, and
passion it brings me,
to not just be a witness,
but also be a FILIPINO.
... a Filipino speaking up,
passionately fighting
for change,
being a sphere of influence
in my own little ways,
and helping create the talisman
of change,
justice, and
peace...
To finally send the 'aswang' away.
Margaux V. Generao (she/her) is a Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences student at the School of Saint Anthony in Lagro, Quezon City, Philippines. She is also the current Editor-in-Chief in English of the School of Saint Anthony’s official publications, the Sapientia et Virtus/ Ang Paglalayag, for almost 2 years now. Being in the field of Campus Journalism since elementary, Margaux was exposed to the social, political, and economic agents that shape the realities of people at a young age, which is why as an adolescent in the journey of finding her purpose and role in society, her heart developed a soft spot for the marginalized and oppressed people—of all ages, genders, and race—in society. She found both a passion and a calling to give voices to these people through her writing.
She can be contacted through her email address generao.margaux@gmail.com, her Facebook account Margaux Generao, or her Instagram account @margxau.