Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #9 titled Tata Dear. Enjoy!

Tata Dear

Oh, Tata*, if you were here
I would let you know how much I love you.
And now that you’re gone things won’t be the same
Because you’re missing from my life.

I know life must go on day by day
And though it’s hard I’ll try my best
To live life to the fullest with my chin held up high
Remembering the special times
That we shared at the ranch –
Treasuring those moments
That I hold dear to my korasón*
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Tata: father
* korasón: heart

Note: Although Tata literally translates to father in this poem, it is affectionately referred to such for grandfather, based on personal experience.

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao