when i get reincarnated as a manananggal
by Alyzza J. Casas | From Issue One (Fall 2025)
when i am reincarnated as a manananggal
i want to paint my toenails freely without backaches
when i am reincarnated as a manananggal
i can find out what the top of the fridge looks like
and wipe down the dust
so my mother is happy about a clean house
when i am reincarnated as a manananggal
i want to be able to fly freely
within twilight
specks of illumination
kiss the night sky
and dance along the auroras
when i am reincarnated as a manananggal
i want to eat garlic bread and find out if garlic crumbs goes onto my lower torso,
will i die?
i hope not.
who knows if i’ll be reincarnated as a manananggal
but i crave the detachment it possesses
removal from burdens,
releasing of anger,
unbound
reclamation
my entire being
even if
they’ll claim i’m monstrous
everyone will throw salt
sharpen spears
drown me in holy water
point fingers
gossip gossip gossip
so simple to agonize me
when you’re the bigger demon here
i look at my skin, hairs, pores
urges to claw them out
blame myself for it all
my self taken advantage of
because the disconnect is present
severing my body is easier
violations to the self
because i was stupid
and yet
i’m deserving to be cared for
even if i am incomplete, split up
i will be loved fully
the return of my agency
despite such detachments
i’ll be sewn back together
i’ll learn to touch
when it feels fulfilling again
please
let me keep my heart
at peace
with ease
so when i am finally reincarnated as a manananggal
i’ll be free from all attachments
living better from everything
including you.
Alyzza Casas (they/them/she/her) is a tattoo artist and aspiring writer of two years that currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They graduated with an English degree in June 2022 at St. Mary’s University. Her time as an undergraduate has given them the opportunity to be published thrice through the university’s creative journal Sightlines, as well as having participated in two external writing projects. When not suffering from creative burnout, their past time includes a rewatch of her favorite media, following new cookie recipes, spending time with themselves and with people she cares about, and seeking out slumber. You can find Alyzza at @harana.inks