Balicaoao

coldness of air embraces us
with fireflies watching in front,
resembling the random flickers
from the streetlights of Kabankalan.

the coldness warms us
like old conversations,
over bottles of
Red Horse Beer and chicken skin.

above us-
the same stars puncture the sky
as if rewinding scenes of
friendship, regrets, and love.

minutes before the pta.tay-tay blues

the warmth of the afternoon sun
gives rhythm to the dance
of five peso coins in the dashboard
while you find comfort against
the newly upholstered leather seat
of a two month old L-300.
flashes after flashes,
thoughts clouded your mind
as if mimicking the angry blow
of dust from the unfinished road
widening project and stained patches
of your black backpack.


you always anticipate this phase
but before dusk you were
expecting something new,
aside from sadness.