Mangi Kelaguen!

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 #6 titled Kelaguen. Enjoy!

Kelaguen

Lemon juice mixed with coconut meat
Along with salt and donné
Are the perfect ingredients,
For the best tasting
And most popular fiesta food called kelaguen.
But the recipe would not be complete
Without some form of chopped meat – chicken or beef.
And you can even use SPAM
Where there’s no need for cooking –
Simply mix it up raw with lemon juice and hot pepper.
Just try out the recipe and you’ll see for yourself,
The delicious and scrumptious food you can prepare,
That’ll make your mouth water
And satisfy your appetite with much delight.
And when fiesta time comes around you can bet,
That this simple and delicious dish
Will be served for all to eat!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*donné: hot pepper

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