Glimpse of Home 2

“ what lingers of the Durian “

By Chris Duncan

the lingering whiff of the Durian,
what it tends to leave behind
the elements of back home
are in front of my eyes.

the surroundings are different.
Instead of humid air
i’m surrounded with a brisk breeze,
yet these senses reel me back,
through the feel, the taste,
the smell of this fruit.

i am hearing
the rustling of leaves
the chirps of the birds
but when i look out my window
i am left
with the stillness of the suburbs.

i fonder the thoughts
of a possibility of returning home,
left there young, yet old enough to
understand that there is no familiarity here
and there has been
a bittersweetness over time.

this nostalgia isn’t the same.
in Cotabato City, South Mindanao
it was sweet,
complex, but pleasant.
i want that to remain,
but i know that i have been ripened
with a foul change of scenery.

Kuhlein Migue

Kuhlein Migue is an artist currently based in Calgary. Drawing on post-colonial theory, diaspora studies, and Filipino art history, her works explore how spaces of belonging are reimagined in response to historical and contemporary practices that categorize racialized individuals as the “other.” These themes are materialized through painting, drawing, and woven structured inspired by Philippine textiles. She has shown her work in solo and group exhibitions notably at the Nickle Galleries, The New Gallery, artsPlace Canmore, and the Alberta Society of Artists gallery. Migue holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary.

Chris Duncan

Chris Duncan is a 22 year old Poet, half Filipino and half Scottish descent, born in Vancouver BC currently residing in Calgary AB. Her focus in her art is to write about life experiences, and how it is navigated through her perspective or others.

She plays with words that capture the imagery elements that are presented with her words, and adds a sense of storytelling that takes you to moments of relatability or wonder.