IN MEMORY OF JO, THE MAN WHO SHOWED TRUE LOVE.
On this day,
I move my sight
To the paths of sunlight
That dance upon your skin.
They light the narrow way
Towards the place that you promised,
That universe where you are
Waiting for me.
On this day,
I set aside the times I missed
To carry you
Through the dark valley that you tread.
Instead,
I reminisce our splashing
On the shores of love,
In the pursuit of that idea we hoped to find in each other.
On this day,
I capture the warmth of the morning
Which are, no doubt, your arms
Keeping my corroding heart together.
It brings hope alive
In my heart, your souvenir,
An offering of your love
That knows neither death nor time.
On this day,
I unravel the garland
Of teardrops that flowed
With your demise.
Its absence is replaced
By a peaceful smile
That I crown upon your head
Like a halo to a saint.
When you left me once,
My soul was empty.
As you leave at last,
True love has found me.
—————————
This piece is translated from an original in Filipino
Ngayong Araw
Ngayong araw,
Binabaling ko ang aking paningin
sa mga pilapil ng sinag-araw
Na sumasayaw sa iyong katawan.
Sinisindihan nila ang makipot na daan
Patungo sa lugar na pinangako mo,
Sa lugar kung saan ka naroroon,
Hinihintay ako.
Ngayong araw,
Isinasantabi ko ang naudlot na pagkakataong,
Akayin ka,
Sa madilim na lambak na iyong tinahak.
Sa halip,
Sasariwain ko ang ating pagtatampisaw
Sa tabing-dagat ng pagmamahalan,
Sa kapwa paghabol sa hinagap na inasahang mahanap sa isa’t isa.
Ngayong araw,
Sinasambot ko ang init ng umaga
Na walang dudang mga bisig mong
Yumayapos sa nauupos kong puso.
Pinauusbong nito ang pag-asa
Sa aking puso, alaala mo,
Biyayang pinagkaloob ng pag-ibig mong
Walang pagpanaw o panahon.
Ngayong araw,
Tinatastas ko ang kuwintas ng
Mga butil ng luhang umagos
Sabay ng iyong pagkawala.
Hinahalinhinan ko ito ng
Isang payapang ngiti
Na ipinuputong ko sa iyong ulo
Gaya ng isang santo.
Noong una mo akong iniwan,
Nakaramdam ako ng kawalan.
Sa iyong muling paglisan,
Tunay na pag-ibig ang natagpuan.
Click!
wow the contrast in the close is sad but real…i was heading another direction and you jerked me back. smiles. nice one shot!
Thanks so much Brian.
Yes, I’m smiling.
Like Brian, I didn’t expect this. It is a love poem – a love poem of farewell. Good one.
thanks Glynn!
I’m glad this work was translated for One Shot – very nice!
Thanks Eric!
I find new forms and shapes to poetry each time I read your work. I lost my husband and I haven’t ceased to grieve but I, too, rejoice in the life he lived and the life of our children and grandchildren that fulfill all our trust and promises. I wish I could read it in your native tongue. With every translation the interaction of the words diminish; but there is joy in knowing it is your translation. Thanks. Gay (@beachanny)
Thanks Gay!
Filipino is a very romantic language. I will try to capture it in English one time.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. At the same time, I’m happy that our love for the people who’ve moved on keep them always alive in our hearts.
So much history in the lines. Have to echo Brian and Glynn—unexpected ending and expressed so well. I expect great poetry when I visit, and your work is always top-notch. cheers.
thanks Adam!
I see there’s more and more people joining One Shot. I’m often the 70th to link up. Good job hosting!
Very interesting, “the garland of teardrops that I removed…” Like it.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya.
Thank you Shashi!
Ang ganda nung tagalog na version. Mas maganda ang daloy. The last stanza is spot on.
ficklecattle.blogspot.com
maraming salamat!
Kagabi pinag-uusapan namin ng housemate ko ito. Iba talaga ang tama ng sariling wika. Hindi siya ganun kalalim, pero mas totoo.
This is so beautiful and sad, an amazing elegy– fabulous!
http://mairmusic.wordpress.com/
wow, this was a wonderful, moving, beautiful piece…sorry am late but thanks for sharing with One shot…cheers pete
Doni, I liked the Filipino version better. Filipino really has a sense of immediacy that is lost upon translation into English.