She visits us every time The building needs repainting And every time she visits us We ask her:
“When will you be back?”
You say you will only be A jeepney ride away.
We sing; the choral chimes with the wind. Dry leaves always settle down Where the wind stops. Only it does not. But, it settles, and always Wherever the wind leads them to grow
Apart.
Maybe that’s the purpose of apartments. Always seeming to leave, to stay only For sleep, not rest.
We kept talking every time How our phones ring each other. You answer questions, always you do so Not with a no, it was difficult for you; Nor a yes; but always you say:
“I’m right here”
“5 minutes”
passing through regular public commute; you are always nearby, always stuck in heavy traffic. I can even see you every time, Always there, And always smiling.
The last time we smiled together You told us:
“I am always here – a whisper away”
Only you are there
Not here.
(Paolo Jerome D. Cristobal / July 25 2013 - Parañaque)