Skip to main content

Ode to Mornings

...I listened to the murmurs of early morning
the call to prayers of nearby mosques
the sound of pots and pans clanging
soon the sizzles of garlic and onion
with their enticing smell spiced the air


...and through my window
I see the tell tale signs of the sun
slowly rising up the horizon
majestically claiming its place
bathing the Rio Grande
with its soft warm glow
as if to signal the boatmen
to ferry eager people to start their day

...for a moment, time stood still
then the loud engine of the small boats
cut through the stillness of the water
disturbing its placidity
as its water sluiced through the cluster of water hyacinths
dotting the expanse as if shooing it away

...then everything burst
into a bustle of activity
and so has this soul
with a sleepy but contented smile
burrowed deep into the mundane
rhythm of everyday life.

...Cotabato has awaken to another new day.


20 August 2018
9:10AM, Cotabato City

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ode to a Comrade 2

You set the path, not only for me But for many of us, My steps were tentative Unsure how to proceed. You led us gently, Giving a little prod if need be. I was one of the impulsive ones, Yet, you managed to make us tow the line Through soft but firm reminders. Together we climbed mountains, Carefully threading treacherous trails. Crowing our triumphed upon reaching the top Though our happiness was short-lived, As we took the degradation around us. Some nights we would sat down in circle with others, Either sharing our poetry, Or simply basking in the glow Of the flickering bonfire And warmth of friendship With kindred souls gathered Under moonlit and starry skies Frolicking to the beat of “tam-tams” and “kubing” Which, even my timid self could not resist Far from our homes You introduced me To our many families In the midst of the poor, Who are far more richer in spirit They opened not only their homes But as well as their hearts In them, we found, ...

Masalay

Masalay,Ampatuan,Maguindanao Malaparaiso ka kung tingnan Napapalibutan ng luntiang kabundukan Datapwat kabahagi ka rin Ng lupaing ninuno ng mga tribung Teduray-Lambangian Napakalawak ng abot ng paningin Habang nakatayo sayong bulubundukin Tila hinihele sa mapang-akit na sayaw ng mga talahib At malamig na samyo ng hangin- Subalit noong Nobyembre 23,2009 Pinunit ang iyong katahimikan- Ng mga hiyaw at palahaw ng pagsusumamo Ng ratatat ng mga makapangyarihan na armas Ng mga saksak na tumatagos sa malambot na laman Na hatid pawang walang kasintinding sakit At kamatayan Katawan dito. Katawan doon. Ng mga peryodista,brodkaster,mamahayag,abogado, ina,ama,asawa,kapatid at anak Walang awang pinagtatapon. Ibinaon. Karumal-dumal na krimen Pilit pinagtakpan Ng mga buwitreng Nag-aastang panginoon Kaya- Paano ko titingnan Ang iyong kabundukan Na hindi marinig alingawngaw Kanilang mga hiyaw? Paano maibalik Dating kata...

Last Autumn Bloom

Woke up to a chilly morning As night and day seemed to tug at each other Peered through the frosty window pane There in the flickering light of autumn dawn A lone white rose is in bloom… 13 october 2010  Alkmar,Netherlands