The Dining Table of Virtual Belonging

The video conference is a family gathering
stretched across nautical time zones.
Mothers, sisters,
brothers, split apart.

Mom says “How are you?” and I dip lumpia in
banana sauce.
Ground pork, carrots,
cabbage, all wrapped up.

Seated at the dining table we dream
projections of home-cooked meals.

We belong where we eat.
We eat where we belong.

Ang Hapag Kainan ng Virtual Belonging

Ang video conference ay isang pagsasama-sama ng pamilya
Kahit makaiba ng time zone.
Nanay at
mga kapatid, kahit magkaka hiwalay ng lugar.

Sabi ni nanay "Kamusta?" at sinawsaw ko ang lumpia
sa banana catsup.
Giniling na baboy, karot,
repolyo at binalot lahat.

Nakaupo sa may lamesa habang kami nangangarap
Larawan ng mga lutong bahay na pagkain.

Nabibilang kami kung saan kumakain.
At kumakain kami kung saan nabibilang.

- Nicolei Buendia Gupit