Sketches of Pampánga, v2

[RiverNotch]

Sketches of Pampánga


Egrets cut across
Aráyat's silhouette
over dried-up fields.

When the river swells,
frogs dance in muddy water
or their legs in hot oil.

Now taláhib blooms
where Pinatúbo lahar
levelled old homes.

With Christmas come lanterns
coiled into colorful wheels,
distracting drivers.

I beam at the sight
of black Aráyat rising
amidst golden fields.

When the river swells,
frogs dance in muddy water
or their legs in oil.

Pinatúbo's wrath
levelled cherished homes where now
the taláhib blooms.

With Christmas come lamps
coiled into colorful wheels,
distracting drivers.