SOLANA

SOLANA

 

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

 

 

Across the Rio Grande Cagayan from Tuguegarao’s hide

Is Solana town ‘tis home to many kins of mine

 

There was I and brothers brought to summer holidays

Crossing the river by ferry as bridge there was none

 

There we played with carabaos, sheeps, and goats

Accompanied beloved Inggo who was pastor to them

With engrossed care we bathed them wonderful pets

Feeling at one with them we are truly blessed

 

Immersing in livestocks I grew to love them creatures

Built empathy along as I beloved more pets

 

Solana now is home to ancient pedigree of man

Whose bones fit half a million years to measure

 

Such knowledge thus to blend with sweet memories

Of my short but lovable stays in ol’ Solana town

 

[Philippines, 05 December 2010]

 

 

MANILA IMPERIALISM?

MANILA IMPERIALISM?

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago

Then was I a leader among teachers

In the 90s decade it came this tall task

For which called was I to make rounds

Of mentors ‘round the country to glee

That aura of mine inspires them to reveree

Then came this news conference in Bacolod

Where I was introduced as man from Manila

Then exclaimed the tv man to shame

That I am agent of Manila imperialism cold!

Shocked as I was and infuriated likewise

Did I regain control of my composure

I was a leader among teachers across the land

Not a local agent of Manila nor its fens

Yet surely there are those who build discord

From petty and asinine viewpoints they breed

Unable to see the world in larger clime

They will perish with shame and dirty slime

[Philippines, 15 November 2010]

MASCOTA

MASCOTA

Erle Frayne D. Argonza

The day has just begun.

Here in my studio flat the air reverbs

With notes of dance music from disco fame

Preparing my psyche for the gym time waitin’.

From here I’m transported back to the 60s.

A tot I was then watching Ybanag culture

From my curious yet ignorant social focals.

There to wallow a bit as my Grandpa struts

The humble sala of our rising new home

Displaying with gusto the music of mascota

Dances with my Grandma to savor eternity

Of merriment and glowful likings for cultural spree

Of our locality we call by thee: Ybanag.

[Philippines, 08 November 2010]