How could we insist
on the persistence of
a memory? When there’s
so many things that
easily slip through the
cracks, carved by the
sharp claws of forgetfulness?
Vanishing without warning,
like a thief in the night,
or a firefly that has escaped
your eyes. Why rely on
ephemeral instances when
there are things far
restless and immortal
than a mere piece of
memory? Diamonds. And
stones, and the sound of
your ticking heart.
Why, of all things
then, a memory?
I look at you and think:
can I even afford to blink?
Look at you all beautiful
and wonderful
to look at.
We sat
one morning. The sky was filled with
the flight of birds that highlight the width
of a cloud shaped like your nose.
Who knows
I could retain your smell.
You’re like a spell.
I still look at you and wonder
why we’re not together.
You bizarre
little blue star.
I believe
I live
just to see you cross my path
and just like that.
I’m sorry if
I wasn’t the star fit to complete
your constellation.
I wonder if I’ll ever be
anything close to being
the remedy to your incompleteness.
I’m sorry if
there’s nothing left for me
to show.
I know
there’s nothing left for us
no time
no space
nothing.
I’m sorry if
I wasn’t made for you.
It’s my fault,
I know.
Umuwi ako ngayong gabi na ikaw ang
nasa isip ko.
Tinanong ko ang mga tala: bakit ikaw
pa? Bakit ‘di nalang ‘yung
nasa puso ko?
Naghintay ako ng sagot ngunit
pinalitan na ng sinag ng araw ang
pintura ng langit, at ikaw -
Ikaw pa rin ang
nasa isip ko.
Darating kaya ang araw na ikaw na rin ang
nasa puso ko?
Iniisip ko.
Kita. Iniisip pa rin
kita. Pangalan ba natin ang iginuguhit
ng mga tala sa langit?
Iniisip ko.
Kita. Iniisip pa rin
kita. At ang mga tala.
At ang ating magkatabing pangalang nakaguhit
sa mga pinagdugtong-dugtong na
mga tala.
