about face v.2

KAKTUS

(circa 2007)

Taliwala sa kawalugan

usa ka kaktus nga gamay

ang migimaw nga daw hara;

mipasigarbu sa kalunhaw

labaw sa kapatagan'g buluk

ug sa kuruna nga tunuk

wala'y sama kaha-it.

Wala'y bu-ut mu-ibut, mukuput

sa dili sarang nga tanum

kay sa paghikap, ang kasakit

mahi-agum ug sa paggunit

daw silut sa gadugu'ng kamut.

Apan sama sa milagru

nga gihimugsu sa langit,

mitumaw ang kaputli,

sa alirung sa mga tunuk-

sinalipdan ang usa ka

halandun'g bulak-

nagpahipi nga mipahiyum,

madasigun sa kahilum.

(for Patty Marie Renopal)

about face v.1

Deja Vu

05.03.11

Was this just a dream? Can we make it real? Would you take a chance?

A myriad of question marks floating overhead.

The calculated strides, the unpretentious conversations- sincere as the laughter we share- the nostalgic aroma of cappuccino; I've seen them all. Were you there too? I swear I glimpsed at your smile, those icy blue eyes like mirrors of the sky outside (outside of what, I have not the slightest). Or were they yours?

I heard someone whisper, "You can't fight the Fates."

Have I gone mad?

This road, I have taken once before. I think. I have passed by that familiar cross (cross my heart!). Our destinies someday shall shake hands- sweaty and soft and warm. I peered over that window and felt for certain, at that split second, we are meant to be.