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 #40 titled Sister Dear. Enjoy!

Sister Dear

Who could imagine that I’d have a sister like you?
A sister I admire and happen to love too.
Although you’re three years younger than me
I’ve learned so much from you, My Dear Chelu*
I’ve learned that having a sister can be so wonderful
Having someone to lean on when I’m feeling blue
Having someone to confide my secrets with
And just knowing that I am not alone.

Remember when you were 10 and I was 13?
I told you to give Nana* the strawberries
Which was topped with whip cream.
Well, she never saw whip cream in her whole life
And she thought it was shaving cream!
Remember when I saw dad kissing mom on the porch?
We couldn’t help but laugh and you shouted,
“Oh my gosh! Look!”

I admit that we’ve had our fights
We even called each other disgusting names.
Yet we somehow always managed
To suddenly be friends once again,
And, without a doubt,
Be the best friends sisters could be!

So Sister Dear
Remember that I’ll always remember
The precious times we’ve shared
And you will always hold a special place in my heart.
I love you girl!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Chelu: sister, *Nana: mother


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