In My Name

Jennine Angelica Cuaycong Pono

My name is the broken promise of two people who thought they were in love

My name is the constant reminder of what could’ve been

The testament that JENNIfer and NEstor did exist 

To the child, it was the proof there could be unity in division

It sounded like I could be Jennine and not just

JENNI half the week

and NE the other half

But I had another name whose home was an old woman

Her hands were strong, but her fingers were wrinkled

That name was sweetest on her lips 

who rose with the sun and slept when the moon was almost faded

cooking food and washing the dishes

Her hugs smelled like laundry detergent, crushed garlic, and earth

The name was Nenine 

It meant rough scoldings that melted into warm laughter 

to the child who drew on the walls

Nenine is the lavender lightheartedness that once sparked in a 6 year old

It was a bird who liked being caged because anywhere else

Nenine, sounded alien 

on the playground

in the classroom 

or simply near others in the neighborhood 

It had to be quiet, hushed, or put away.

Angelica was the person I’ve wanted to be

angelic angel

selfless, saint, sterling

Pretty the way it is no matter who says it

I can find pride in my full name

Jennine Angelica Cuaycong Pono

It’s the verbal impersonation of who I am

Someone who lives and loves opposing things  

Harmony, Warmth, Discord