In a Bed of Roots by Justine Camacho

           

              This short story shows the tradition and beliefs of a Filipino that is still practiced nowadays. Furthermore, it reflects for what it believes not just in giving emotions but it is the reflection on how it shows the love for the family and a symbol for being a Filipino.

            The young character here tells about what happened in Saturday in a detailed way.  This was happened in a cemetery in which the family wanted to check for the gravesite after their lola’s funeral. It says that the other part of the shrub has a langka tree in which it has a story behind. she met a gravedigger who told a story behind that langka tree in which it is carefully wrap by a newspaper obviously to be sold that was planted behind the grave.this story deals with the gravedigger talking to a persona about the story behind the grave of a young girl underneath the langka tree which is said that the body of a young girl as hugged by  the roots of the said tree that’s why the fruit is so tasty .Its bones wrap by the langka roots seemingly it is lovingly embraced carefully by a lover. Not to mention its bone was white and like the tree takes every bit of her flesh. For as to the young character, no wonder where the langka was sold and what stole it could be. Every time they are going to buy at the market, it is always sweet. And to think of it, her mother was buried there. And maybe the one they always bought was came from her mothers’ love showing that the taste of sweet representing that they felt was a love after all.

For us Filipino, we can’t actually hide the fact that our culture results from what we believe. Like for example this short story In a Bed of Roots greatly represents us. The character we always portray to others and the love and for being wise is part of our personality that was still the effect or cause of what we believe that was actually came from our deities. To keep in mind, we show our sincerity not just to our family, to others, but also to ourselves.

Therefore conclude, the roots symbolized the love that embraced us. This story fits to a person who lost their love ones. Why do I say so? Because they can actually relate especially about family.  I’m not specifically saying that this In a bed of Roots is tragic and making someone to feel lonely. Practically speaking no, the author actually intended to show what exactly on how strong we are in terms of strength to measure exactly to the family.

Written By: Kyle C. Pabunag

11-Peridot