They came before the day began,before I was ready to be seen.Pink lilies, shyly unfoldingagainst the raindrops of morning.Too early,and yet, how touching,that someone...
Between usa wildernessof no-treesdevoid of riversbare as the GobiHere windshowl turned loosefrom all directionsThey bury medeep quick as they leapupon mefilling my throat to...
jet-blackmy get-up today, from the upperto the underwear:black shirt, the color of mourningon this loveliest of mornings.black denims, the hue of rue.black shoes and...
Translated by Nick Joaquin
TO THE CHILD JESUS
Why have you come to earth,Child-God, in a poor manger?Does Fortune find you a strangerfrom the moment of...
For her gnarled fingers, it was never a questionof mere ornamentation,but of a secret syllabary,a language of ancient strengththat burned beyond tongues.Frome where her...
You are oneTo slip through the nightsLike a gauze.You come to meThinly wrappingAround my body.You are hereYet not here.I riseWith every drawing of breathLike...
A whiff of jasmine
Rose petals scattering
Mighty pines dancing
Bamboos swaying, dipping, snapping back
Sunflowers gazing at their namesake in giddy worship.
A windy spring day in Godavari.
(April,...
Last night was your birthday
Forgot to tell my cousin
to light a candle
on your grave.
DID I LOVE YOU ENOUGH
DID MY WORDS HURT YOU
YOUR SHADOW STALKED...
