Happy Roast Suckling Pig Day!!

Lechon Americano
by Michael Romani

Sipping down a San Miguel
You with your port and ale
Thinking back on yesterday
So many memories seem throwaway

I was three or maybe four
And while the Philippines seem a closed door
There is at least one happy memory
Unless my mind is deceiving me

My story rambled to you, my senorita
My father was stationed at Mt. Santa Rita
And to my family's relief
Had worked his way up to becoming Chief

All of his men threw a huge celebration
In honor of his hard work and inspiration
The centerpiece would be the national dish Lechon
There would be two of these to feast on

What a sight the roasted pig was to see
That is until it dawned on me
This was nothing more than a baby
Who, pig or not, was torn from its family

And that the laid a apple in the mouth
Bathed in sauces and spices baked as these ran South
I have to admit that I truly loved the taste
Yet, it hasn't escaped me, life was lost in such a haste

Man after man offered my father a well meant toast
As I stood there thinking about our poor roast
And while life has turned many a page
It still sits wrong with me that the roasts were center stage

I suppose it's a bit of moral hypocrisy
As I loved the crisp skin and bits so greasy
Funny how these images still make me uneasy
Especially with two little girls as my family

(c) December 18, 2019  Michael Romani
All Rights Reserved