along the lines, t'was paths that crossed
of fates to dust, the fates accost
probability - it just so happened
that I'd stumble across you  

of all the times and of all the chances
as winds would blow, a tree then dances
uncertainty - it just so happens
that I'd fall in love with you

as droughts would bring a land to famine
a love that grew though soils were barren
possibility - how could it happen?
that I'd fall again for you

times have past, we've spent the chances
the winds have blown, and comes the silence
surety - and so it happens
~I'd want to spend my life with you~

your trash filled sidewalks
your smog filled air
and morning traffic
I could not bear

your streets that crawl
with poverty
that engage your people
in robbery

your marketplace
called 'monument'
a paradise
I've always dreamt

your night sky stars
I cannot see
as clouds of smoke
keep blocking me

your reckless drivers
your petty thieves
your nearest supplier
comes down at eve

your gangsters stronger
than authority
and the victim cries
so hopelessly

your city lights
soon will be gone
as your electric bill
fills up to tons

your ambitious leaders
up to now, they wonder
what is the best
that they could offer?

O Manila, O Manila
I keep longing for thee
true is thy beauty
in irony

a pure heart, a cold gaze
when sound minds becomes crazed  
such horror beauty brings





but what beauty doesn't sting?