CANINE IS GONE

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago


They took him away from me
This canine friend of mine
Whose time a-living was tied up to me
We were one a-corded knot
When ‘twas of tender age ‘twas one
Nurtured by me with a peer’s affection

Upon its
Bathing
Tanning
Defacating
Urinating
I was there on the dot for these tasks
So was there this loving canine to police
The night for kins and myself

Gone it is, stolen
So is the cord broken
And my heart beaten.


[Writ. 15 May 91, Cubao, Quezon City, M.Manila]

ON MEASURING LOVE

Erle Frayne Argonza y Delago


Love, concern and sincerest care
For the loved one and all loved fellows:
Could these be measured
Like the metered current
That powers the home?
If it were so could devotion be paid
In sheets over sheets of monies?

Perhaps the cats, dogs
And other wondrous pets at home
Can offer the answer:
Wondrous pets don’t count at all
Their kisses and devotion to friends
O! How they keep on giving!
They simply keep on giving!

[Writ. 04 June 1988, Proj. 8, Quezon City, M.Manila]