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Matapos Itaboy ng Tag-init at Kalungkutan mula sa Lungsod

Mikael De Lara Co

Malamig dito sa kabundukan.
Dumating ako nang mag-isa,
naghahanap ng katahimikan,
ngunit ano ang inabot
kundi ang mga kuliglig na humuhuni
ng sarili-sarili nilang mga pagdurusa
sa ilalim ng makapal na damo?
Tinatawag ng mga kuwago
ang mga kaluluwa
ng nagsilagas na dahon.
Pinagpapasahan ng mga puno
ang tinig ng mga nagsasaya
sa pusod ng gubat, iniaabot
sa nakapinid kong bintana.
Paano kong malilimot
ang daan pauwi?
Ibinubulong ng mga bulaklak
ang huling linya ng tulang ito.
Mapangutya ang titig ng buwan.
Walang sapilitang paglimot.

After the Summer and Sadness Drove Me from the City

It is cold up here in the mountain.
I came alone,
looking for quiet,
instead what do I find
but each cricket singing
a verse of suffering
under the thick grass?
Owls summon
the countless souls
of fallen leaves.
The trees pass around
the sound of merriment
within the forest’s navel, until
it reaches my closed window.
How do I forget
the way home?
The flowers whisper
these last few lines.
The moon stares mockingly.
No compelling forgetfulness.

translated by Rafael San Diego

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