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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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