Gabii Nga Plastik

by Gerwin Vic E. Bhuyo

Intro

October 1, Medellin, Cebu: Families in Pandan Mahawak slept in the rain under plastic after the earthquake. This photo inspired the poem below.

nagtuk-ong ka ilawom sa sihag nga plastik
nipis sama sa pag-ampo,
ang gabon nagtaklob kanimo
daw dakbayan nga nakalimot
unsaon ka pagkupot.

gisubay nako ang imong dugokan
pinaagi sa akong mga mata,
buot tika nga haw-ason
gikan niining basa nga kalibotan,
apan ang mga bituon ra ang mitubag.

Plastic Night

like a prayer barely spoken,
mist folding itself around you
like a city that has forgotten
how to hold you.
i trace your spine with my eyes
and wish i could lift you
from this soaked world—
but only the stars answer.

About the poet
Gerwin Vic Evarretta Bhuyo is an OFW based in Bangkok, Thailand. He is an educator, writer, translator, photographer, and a listener.