Let me, please
I beg of you
Let me catch the whiff of fresh air
Against my cheeks
The first ray of sunshine
As new day breaks
As it kisses the grass
Green on my barefoot
Before it filters through
The stained glass windows
Bearing memories of a blurry past
Let me step out into the garden
Where I can sniff the scent
Of freshly cut weed
Smell the flowers
Before the petals wilt
And fall to pieces
Like fragments of my heart
Each time you say goodbye
Let me walk the extra mile
Where dogs can trail my path
And cats can linger around my feet
In sheer caress
As if romancing the stone
Grounding
Earthing
Shivering
Let me ride the bus
To the boulevard
Of our broken dreams
Halt somewhat at the marketplace
To pick up my favorite things
Brewed coffee and freshly-baked bread
Along the way
Can I eat at the carinderia?
Like I used to as a child?
With meals cheap enough
Fit for kings and queens
In the middle of fruit
And vegetable spreads
Standing in the way
Of this one vintage passerby
Who has seen it all
Been there
Done that
While children of the poor sleep
Like stray cats and dogs
On the sidewalks
With only the memory
Of last nightβs stale bread
In their tender hearts
Let me wander furthermore
To catch another jeepney ride
To savor the blended flavor
Of toxic fumes and cold breeze
Lashing against my face
As scenes of a past life unfold
By leaps and bounds
Miles and miles away
Traversing hills and mountains
Rugged roads and deep ravines
Framed by wild flowers and wilder confessions
The incredible secrets of youth
The verses of conversations
Sins of omission and commission
Versus lovers and other companions
Promises and compromises
Once again, I fall to pieces
Languishing in remembrances
Of this one lifeβs peaks and crevices
Let me smile at the stranger
Next to me
Hold the hand of the enemy
Free myself of bondage
For a moment of indiscretion
Passion and compassion
Whisper a prayer to the mighty wind
For forgiveness and a safe journey
To the here and after
Let me breathe
Reflect and genuflect
Pause and ponder
Look back and remember
In thanksgiving manner
The sunset of forever
The green, green grass of home
Let me
Just let me
While I still can.