time—we set
   that we won't fret
     just to get set
      and not forget

      sleep—an endless feud
    where we get sued
  when we elude
a debt often eschewed

time—you set
  that you won't fret
    just to get set
      only to forget

      sleep—an endless feud
    deliberately sued,
  you just stood
paid the debt; ceased the feud

I close my eyes
So I could see,
Perceive what lies
Infinitely -
A cluster of
Realities -
That if becomes
How great would be

Thump.

In synchrony, we walk
And walk and walk and walk

Thump.

Away from our hearts
To steal another one's

Thump.

If I step out the line,
my life gets on the line

Thump.

The heat has been too harsh
But the light; I see the light...

Thump!

As it draws across the marsh:
a mushroom with a blight.

Thu-

you covered it up
like it was a part of you
for if not would it have been
a shame to be vested in you
or so you thought it was
then you buried
its impurities
as if to hide it away, forever
but as you nourished
the soil with its iniquities
the seed of your doings
fell altogether
and flourished,
being fed with impurities
it was noticeably staggering,
an unsightly abomination

My country is an old book with a crumbly, dusty cover;
original and valuable
Like a book, you don't judge it by its cover.
What's inside it is what defines it.
Gently open it;
Read each word with heart,
Uncover its uniqueness
till it brings delight.
Find the book enjoying,
You'll never wish for it to end.
You'll read it one more time,
You'll show loftiness to it.
Oh, fellowmen, we're proud of our country
Even if we're not;
Our mouths say we are, but our hearts deny.
Oh beloved country,
We discerned ourselves
through judging you
because of our own fault.

**© Frank Lloyd Manalang, 2014