Jean E Ragual, Mindanao-Singapore
Birds fly freely
They desire to gain freedom
In their home
They desire a happy home
The baby birds
The innocent baby birds
The adult birds
The innocent adult birds
Birds fly everywhere
To find a place to be home
But all is gone
The birds are roaring
They don't know where to go
Somebody destroyed their home
Some birds die
Their habitats destroyed
Distractions kill them
Please let them live freely
Everyday a couple flies
Searching for a perfect home
With their child they journey
Until they get tired and
Rest their weary wings
It may not be your land
But this is our planet
And we are all one
So let us protect their home, our home
For the innocent birds of freedom
Let them stay
Offer them peace
Restore their place
And make them happy to be at home
To fly freely into tomorrow
Jean E. Ragual is from M'lang, North Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines, and she has worked as a domestic helper in Singapore since 2008. Her work has been featured in the Migrant Workers Photography Festival 2019, where she won the “Places and Architecture” category. She is also a finalist of the Migrant Worker Poetry Competition Singapore 2017.