Circumlocution

In a labyrinth fixed
on parchment folio,
Words smother eyes,
midst confounding minds.
Each jargon befogs
what’s ought to be explicit:
deluging audience,
in lieu of comprehension.

Cloudburst

Nimbus’ pets unleashed:
listen as pitter patters
alter purrs and barks.

Cesoir, Avec Toi

Carols sang
by accordions and violas
glaze tete-a-tetes
with saccharine vim.
The winsome diction
in the oui’s and moi’s
makes local tongues
more suave to hear.

Above, the stars
waltz with charm-
luring hearts
to sigh in awe;
from croissant, the moon,
assume a sphere
while fireworks circle
around her brim.

The classic aura
of cobblestone streets
become avant-garde
with stiletto heels;
faded hints
of wine and champagne
perfume the air
and wash the paves.

Ah, the façade of laughter –
sans the tears!
The bonjours, the ça va,
the merci and the kiss…
so much to love,
what is to be loathed
in this very city
where you proposed?

Hydrophilia

Shores caress
through weathered reefs,
as foams embrace
the soles of dwellers;
Rays may pierce, though balanced by breeze;
Now, I know
why souls loathe leaving.

Nothingness seen
through murmurs in the air;
Fowls chant caws
before kissing the waves;
Pick the carapace
that hermits left,
and listen to the carols
of alto waves.

The subtle bite of brine on lips
invites one to perform
a solo French kiss.
The balm of the palms and coconut leaves
enchants beings to succumb
in hypnosis.

As the floor stoops nearer
the heart of the earth,
blue transitions from cerulean to cobalt.
Through gossamer film, a menagerie performs
enthralling victims
to plunge the deep.

Hydrophilia

Shores caress
through weathered reefs,
as foams embrace
the soles of dwellers;
Rays may pierce, though balanced by breeze;
Now, I know
why souls loathe leaving.

Nothingness seen
through murmurs in the air;
Fowls chant caws
before kissing the waves;
Pick the carapace
that hermits left,
and listen to the carols
of alto waves.

The subtle bite of brine on lips
invites one to perform
a solo French kiss.
The balm of the palms and coconut leaves
enchants beings to succumb
in hypnosis.

As the floor stoops nearer
the heart of the earth,
blue transitions from cerulean to cobalt.
Through gossamer film, a menagerie performs
enthralling victims
to plunge the deep.

Isang Sulyap ng Lambingan

Halimuyak ng sampaguita
ang simoy ng hangin,
may pahapyaw ring samyo
ng ilang-ilang.

Sa kawayan bumabaging
ang mga bulaklak:
nagyayapusan ang dilaw,
kahel at luntian.
Ang mga talutot na pumatak,
tinipon ng mga musmos:
binudburan ng bigas
at kaunting alikabok.

Ang karosa sa tapat
datirati’y kay amos
ngayong Sabado’y mapusyaw,
bughaw at may ningning.

Kasabay ng dambana,
kan’lang sinambit:
mga bulong na pangako
na tinuldukan ng halik.
Ito nama’y sinagot
ng mga kantsaw at palakpak;
habang ang mga bata,
sa pintuan, kumaripas.

Tapos na nga ang pag-iisa
simula na ng pista.
Silbato’y naging hudyat
sa pagdagundong ng tambol.
Inilatag ang sapin
sa laylayan ng gulong…
maging ang kabayo,
sa piging, may kugon.

Invisibled

Am I a shadow at night
that is concealed in darkness;
obscured to be seen,
muted from screaming?
In grounds, I lay;
in walls, I lean.
My partner was welcomed,
kissed and embraced;
while I am ignored
at the corner of the room.
Do I have to be at spotlight
just to be noticed?

Am I a ghost unfelt
with voice unheard…
doomed to suffer
eternal damnation?
This earth I may dwell,
but without companion;
in this vast chamber,
I walk alone.
Each face I see,
I beam a smile;
but none has responded,
not even a glance.
I pat on their shoulders,
all they give is a shrug;
after which, they brisk
without looking back.

Country Patio

The serenade
of dancing chimes,
echoes in the breeze
of July.
From a distance,
linger the carols:
of kookaburras
and gentledrones.

In the meadows paved
of callow blossoms,
bunnies canter
like summer snowballs.
Flutterbies woo
each crimson leaf,
sneaking pollens in their pockets
like naughty imps.

“Ah, this is the life.”
I manage to say,
as my lips experience
earl grey.
With that, I perch
on the wicker chair,
and savor the wedding
of cinnamon and pears.

Tears

Sorrows of the heart,
that were concealed for decades,
trickle down her cheeks.