Ang buhay ng tao parang mga palayan
na natatanaw sa daan pauwi sa amin.
Binabagyo, nababad sa araw,
binabaha’t tinatangay ng hangin.
Ngunit sa huli’y, namumunga pa rin
upang sa ‘ting mga hapag ay may maihain.
17 February 2020. 2141 HRS.
Unmasked
We were complete strangers
But our first encounter seemed like we’ve known each other for so long
I remember walking into that coffeeshop’s glass door.
Clueless.
Just when I stepped on the door mat
You waved with a grin
As if you were expecting me.
I smiled. Just smiled.
Not to mention, my eyes twinkled.
And that was the first time I saw you.
Why am I here?
Why am i here?
I am here because you left
I am here because I’m trying to remake the space that might have been ours
I am here because it is here that I have you.
It is here that the memory of you exists.
It is here that I feel your existence.
It is here that we exist.
But now I am here because you left.
I am here because I am hoping that maybe
just maybe,
you might be here with me too.
(24th October 2018, UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines)
SAMPAGUITA 