diasporache
I looked for my family, but I could only find one
atrocity after another. we must be born casualties—
early marriages & deaths; some people are left
atlases detailing their family lines, certificates &
boxes filled with polaroids & I have not one trinket
to call mine.
I cling to every story
I have been given and I cherish what few names
I’ve been gifted. I ache to inherit something
other than tragedy— proof that I existed before myself,
but history avoids charting its villainy; its victors
evade their crimes. I fear I will never find anything,
if not for
a mirror
is the closest thing to an
ancestor
I have.
Nashira is an Afro-Pinay/Polynesian artist & activist from Cebu. She uses art as a weapon to champion for the rise & recognition of women of color. On Tumblr as @nashira and Instagram & Twitter as @nashxra. She is a regular contributor for Marías at Sampaguitas.
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