A Temperate Country

by Justine C. Tajonera

It was only when
my fingertips were almost frozen,
and my lips were quivering and chapped
that I remembered how,
at home,
there was never
a harsh winter

or even a howling
autumn.

I know that we've had
perilous floods
and droughts
and that is,
in some way,
our own version
of the cruel
face of our
Mother.

But we are blessed
with only summer
or rain
and our islands run
riot with color
and beauty
that are hidden
from our own
eyes.

When I arrived,
thawed and warm,
I was tempted to pick
apart the airport
and the streets.
But I remembered
the punishing cold
and welcomed
the heat.

(March 22, 2010)
Image of a Metro Manila Sunrise from http://www.flickr.com/photos/huno/2994914748/

A Feast In The Flood

By Justine C. Tajonera

Your party halls were festooned
with pink balloons,
the tables were filled
with lechon, pasta,
salmon and cake
but the chairs remained
empty.
The rains made
the streets into
rivers that
ran throughout
the city.
None of this matters
as much as
how thankful I am
that you are safe
in your mother's
arms.
There will be no
birthday candles
to blow or
treats to give
away
but your feast
is not in the
empty banquet hall,
it is in the love
of your mother
and father and
the homemade meal
they fixed
for you.

For Gabi

(Sept. 26, 2009)

Lechon - roasted suckling pig