I am: quiet, not shy. I take a step back, observe, on the edge. away from the crowds. I take a step forward, take a risk. Once bitten, twice shy. Guarded risk-taker. 24 years old, bi-racial, mono-cultural. puti sa labas-- kayumangi sa loob. and that's all that matters--because once I open my mouth, it's all over. I have a tattoo, yes I do. Chose to sear into my skin that which is meaningful to myself, and a visual reminder to a whole span of generations. No daisies on the ankle for this babae. Words, they sustain me. I'm no poetic wonder [at least not yet]. Thanks to the fellow friend, fellow writer who "knows how it is." You've been the nag I needed to get into the spirit again. Sometimes I wish I was decked out in black, guns by my side. Living in NYC can make you feel like that. Esp. if you identify with a minority group. Maybe esp. more so when you know that people think you are one thing, when you know, you are not. Paradox? Welcome to my world.