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 #15 titled Manamko and Parents. Enjoy!

Manamko and Parents

Respetu* for your elders is a must

I’ve often been told

And be sure to amen* them as well.

Don’t talk back to your mother, father, or manamko*

For that is a form of disrespect.

Don’t complain and please obey them too.

Though our elders

May constantly bring up their past disadvantages

And relate it to our responsibilities and advantages

Listen to them, be kind and thoughtful

Because they speak of wisdom and lessons

That they’ve learned from their past.

© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*respetu: respect

*amen: A term used with children when directing them to kiss the hand of an elder.

*manamko: elders

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