Lesson 5: From the Unborn Child

ENGLISH 04: 21st Century Literature from the Philippine and the World
Reference: 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World for SHS by Ma.
Lourdes G. Tayao, Ph.D., Rosario I. Alonzo, Ph.D., and Eden Regala Flores, Ph.D.
Prepared by: Belia, A., Castillo, NM., and Tampos, M.

Learning Objectives
• Identify the themes present in the literary selections
• Discuss the words and their meaning of the literary selections
• Present situations that relate with the literary selections in this present generation in a
Philippine setting
• Analyze the message that is expressed by the speaker in each selection
• Compare and contrast the themes presented in literary selections to understand their
perspectives.

Bell Work: What thoughts/ ideas come to your mind when you hear the phrase “From the
Unborn Child”?

Saju Abraham is a lecturer in English at Sohar University, Oman. He was born in India and
became a missionary at the end of 15. It is during this time that he developed his
poetry-writing skills. He quit the missionary life and eventually left India to work under
Ministry on Education in Oman.

A Prayer from the Womb

Why did you tear me off you,
When you knew I’d die without you?
I promised you peaceful sleep,
But you wouldn't hear me.
You were in the midst of planning your future.
I promised I wouldn't pull at your gown,
Nor test my vocal cords when I'm hungry.
But still you didn't let me be.
I promised I would behave when your friends visit,
And when you're on the phone or in the kitchen.
But you still threw me out of your system.
Why mama, why? Am I so unagreeable?
I don't keep it against you mama.
I know that now you know.

A Letter from an Unborn Baby

Hi Mom! How are you? I am doing just fine, thanks. Only a few days have gone by since I
was conceived and I am now growing in your tummy. To tell you the truth, I can’t explain how
happy I am to know that you are my mom. It also makes me proud to know that I was
conceived out of love. I’m sure I am going to be the happiest baby alive.

Mommy, a month has gone past and I have started to notice how my body is forming. I know
I am not much to look at now but just wait and see – I’ll make you so proud! Even though I
am feeling happy, I sense that something is wrong! You seem to be having strange thoughts
that leave me restless and worried; but I am sure everything is going to be okay! Don’t
despair!

Two and a half months have gone by, Mom, I now have hands that I can use to play with.
Oh, I am so happy! Mommy, please tell me what’s wrong? Why are you crying so much
lately? Why do you and dad argue every time you meet up with one another? Don’t you guys
want me anymore? I’m going to do everything I can to make you want me…

Three months have now passed, Mom, but you still seem to be so sad. I am not sure what is
going on… I am so confused. Today we went to see the doctor and he booked an
appointment for you tomorrow. I don’t understand why I am feeling so good and you aren’t
Mom!

Mommy, where are we going? What’s happening? Mommy, this is not normally the time that
you take your afternoon nap; don’t lie down. Besides, I am not tired! I still want to play! Uh!!!
What is this thing doing inside of my house?! Is it a new toy? Hey! It’s sucking up my
house…

Please... don’t tug at me! No... don’t hit me! You’re hurting me! Can’t you see that I am still
small?! I can’t defend myself! Mommy!!! Stop them—that’s my hand!!! Mommy, my leg... they
are ripping it out!!! Defend me, Mom!!! Help me, Mom!!! Tell them to stop, I promise I’ll stop
kicking them if they do. How is it possible that someone can be doing this to me? Oh,
Mommy, I can’t go on anymore... h-he...lp me...

Seventeen years have gone by since you made that fateful decision. Now you still suffer
over the very thought of it. Please don’t cry... I know you are still hurting, but you are not
alone. Mommy, if you are still sad, you can try getting away from all the daily pressures of
work and family and joining a spiritual retreat to focus on the hurt you are feeling. In that
retreat, you can come to terms with your decision to let me go, and find forgiveness and
peace of mind.

Love you lots,

Your baby

What are the themes found in the two literary selections?

Making Sense of Words and Expressions in the Texts

A. Answer the questions about the expressions from the poem “A Prayer from the Womb.”
1. What do you do when you “let someone be?”

2. Give an equivalent term which may be used to replace the underlined word in the
following phrases:
a. Am I so unagreeable?
b. I don’t keep it against you, Mama.
c. Tear my vocal cords when I’m hungry.
d. But you still threw me out of your system.
Making Sense of Words and Expressions in the Texts
B. Answer the following questions about the words and expressions in “A Letter from an
Unborn Baby.” Pay attention to the underlined words or phrases.
1. What is the purpose of spiritual retreat?
2. Why is a disclaimer made?
3. When do you say something is hypothetical?
4. When is a decision considered fateful?
5. When does a person say he/she is not much to look at?
6. What do you do when you book an appointment?
7. When do we say we come to terms with a decision we made?
8. How do the terms sucking up and ripping out differ in shades of meaning?

Give an example of a situation in the Philippines where a family's beliefs could affect
their choice between pregnancy and abortion.

Examining and Responding to the Texts

B. Answer the following questions below
1. What message does each selection express?
2. In your opinion, which one is more successful in communicating its message? Why?
3. Why do you think these texts were written from the perspective of the unborn child?
4. What did you feel after reading the selections? Why?

Noting and Appreciating Literary Craftsmanship

Answer the following questions.
2. Describe the persona in the literary texts.
1. In both selections, the speakers make promises to the mother. Compare these promises.
Which is more positive in tone?
 UNIVERSITY OF CEBU
Senior High School-Main Campus
J. Alcantara st., Cebu City, Cebu

PARENT’S CONSENT
I, the parent of _________________________________________ of ___________________________ hereby
(Name of students/s) (Grade/Strand/Section)
grant my child the permission to go to school outside his/her scheduled classes for:

Purpose : _________________________________ Date/s: ________________________________

_________________________________________ Time from: ____________ to _____________

I hold my child responsible for observing then the guidelines set by the school and I totally understand the
responsibility I will be taking in the event an uncontrollable circumstance may occur during the said activity.

____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature over Printed name
Contact #:__________________________
pmsl16

UNIVERSITY OF CEBU
Senior High School-Main Campus
J. Alcantara st., Cebu City, Cebu

PARENT’S CONSENT
I, the parent of _________________________________________ of ___________________________ hereby
(Name of students/s) (Grade/Strand/Section)
grant my child the permission to go to school outside his/her scheduled classes for:

Purpose : _________________________________ Date/s: ________________________________

_________________________________________ Time from: ____________ to _____________

I hold my child responsible for observing then the guidelines set by the school and I totally understand the
responsibility I will be taking in the event an uncontrollable circumstance may occur during the said activity.

____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature over Printed name
Contact #:__________________________

pmsl16