TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan - A poem submitted by Mr. Jun Sanchez, President of Samahang Makata International (Taiwan). Samahang Makata International is a Filipino organization of poetic and creative writers overseas.

I'm the Overseas Contract Worker, wherever I go, I'll do my best performing my job with dignity in exchange of dollars to meet my dreams.

I learned to adopt another culture, to travel and see other places. I survive different kinds of seasons in exchange of exotic lifestyle.

I'm very friendly and helpful, my service is appreciated, host is grateful. Trusted by employers and their families, I considered them all of my friends.

Yet some are not as lucky, those whose employers are mean and cruel. Workers are treated unjustly no freedom, no rights, no security to enjoy.

As a stranger I do consider, follow or host and sacrifice harder. To avoid conflict, I do must be careful, I think of my dreams, I'm ready to crawl.

For me, working abroad is extremely hard, but my family's future is in my hand and as soon as my contract ends, I'm happy to be back in my native land.

Jun Sanchez - O.C.W. - The New Modern Day Hero©