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A revision (and still a work in progress) of my old poem: by the Pasig river

when will it subside
the poisonous -
the clinging darkness on your breast?
i should have been drowning
with childish joys
merely looking at your face
listening to your rippling voice

you are soiled now O lady
men have defiled you
spoiled your youth
no more your fresh breath
blows softly
sweetly upon my cheeks
nor your qunching elixir
satisfies my thirst

no more the lovers
swear undying love
before your feet
nor the orient moon agleams
upon your face O
you are now a plain
image of death!

time will heal you yes
time will heal you
when man heals himself
of his searing sickness
and social disease

(circa 1992)

A new Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp of Langston Hughes was issued by the United States Postal Service lately. I wonder when will our very own Philippine Postal Service do the same to honor Filipino Poets/Writers or national artists in stamps.

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