Sunday, February 28, 2016

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]

 

 

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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]

Friday, February 5, 2016

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]