By Melody Nadal Aka Ody Munson

How many times did I ride an airplane? I’m completely lost track.
Twelve countries to be exact; souvenirs hang on the rack.
With experience and adventures, I’m totally packed.

Paalam, Philippines. Lebanon, my first stop.
I had no idea what was going to pop.
All I know, first time I saw snow, at Mt. Cedars I’m standing on top.
Although I’m proud, in my job I’m using a mop.

I learned to be independent and fight loneliness.
I can say I became tough fighting homesickness.
My family is my one big weakness,
But here I am now working for their good life and happiness.

I keep on travelling as work required.
Visited Malaysia, Indonesia, Macau, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan, Japan, America; my sweat ran dry.
Adjustment is the biggest thing; all of the food needed to be tried.
I’m a fast learner; survival, their language, my tongue magically got tied.

If there is a good thing migration would bring,
It is that I became the better version of me; I kept on pushing.
To every trial and difficult mountain train, I’m here conquering.

Right now, in this new norm, I’m using my pen for fighting,
As this pandemic was very alarming.
Migration away from home made me what I am now: productive in writing.
I became a better human being.

May mother earth be healed so we can all go home.
The last good thing this migration could bring is what I’m solemnly praying.