Diwata Divine

‘”Aswang” was the first poem I read and it’s the last poem in the book. It speaks to colonization and was shaped neatly in a cinematic box in its shape and form. It reminded me of an action scene and ends with the words, Blame me.

My first thought was how  brilliant because any woman of color who’s felt systematic oppression can relate to the first line as well given the muddy struggles are often seen as the victim’s fought under nearly every circumstance.  And when the survivor of such horror rises it is not seen as Goddess like but a result of a hand out and fear arises with the tik , tik, of her wings preparing for arrival.

I am the dark-hued bitch; see how wide my maw, my bloodmoon eyes,

And by daylight, see the tangles and knots of my riverrine hair.

I am the bad daughter, freedom fighter, the shaper of death masks.

She goes on to describe this mythical monster both snake, bird, and pig

What’s going on? I thought. I sensed the exploration of this mythical creature as magnificent metaphor. Hmmm what does Diwata mean? I looked in the notes and towards the first page. In the poem “Diwata” the first line is:

There once lived a strange deity who was only strange

because few strove to know her. 

This line truly intrigued me. It also spoke to me because so often I feel like it’s the story of my life. Then I wanted to research outside the source of the book in my hands. I found the following Wikipedia definition pop up first:

In Philippine mythology, a Diwata (origin Sanskrit Devata), also known as Encantada, is a mythological figure similar to fairies or nymphs. They are nature spirits and live one with mother earth. They were benevolent or neutral and could be called upon ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune; however, they also caused illness or misfortune if not given proper respect.^[1] They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian spirits of nature, casting blessings or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. 

This helped me decipher the first poem and the entire book even more as Reyes refers to trees, mountains and the sea often. When you’re a fairy or a spirit you can essentially transform into any animal or creature you choose.  In the definition alone there’s also an allowing of dark and light to come together as one. Aswang is a …

caretaker of ancient trees but also the opposite of your blessed womb.

This reminded me of the Goddess Kali who is also known as a mother and destroyer.

What I appreciate most about Diwata is how Reyes highlights the perspective of women. We see the Diwata set the tone for what’s to come hopefully not only in the book by telling of women’s battles and how they lost their voices in the poem “Parable” but I’m guessing it also is a call to what is to come in this physical realm as well. As many say we are beginning to see the return of the Goddess.

Diwata came to the mermaid, stroked her thick night-black hair. Do not fear, for one day the songbird will trill in a palace of pearls and summer seashells. And the mermaid breathed a sigh, lulled to sleep by the song of the ocean breeze.

The story is Beautiful and Bloody like birth.