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198 · Sep 2019
This Synthetic World...
Sally A Bayan Sep 2019
(a group of 10 words)


Vast surfaces of blue-green
oceans still capture eyes,
create sighs...

its salt-scented sea breeze,
and salty waters...offer
natural healing...

less chemicals, meant
fresh air
less dreaded diseases,
safer lives...

nobody expected...that one day,
malevolent winds and rains
would

grow seeds of
discontent....animosity
on fertile soil and minds...

a peace-loving, compassionate,
world......turned paranoid,
people learned...became wary,

of feigned smiles and handshakes,
inanimate...and spiritless,
like plastic...
..................



Sally

Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
September 21, 2019
197 · Jan 2018
My Mornings
Sally A Bayan Jan 2018
A mix of hushed voices, blend with
loud sounds, and slowly slip into
the early hours of the day...

outside my room,
.......shrieking has waned
spoons and forks and plates and glasses
are quiet...the rush, to finish all before 6:00 am,
is done........footfalls from black-shoed feet,
echoed.......and faded with the wind
...no more school bus motors revved, yet,
the dogs are now playing roughly...and noisily
distant roosters, are doing their thing nonstop
....the latest news from the radio plays,
........a cellphone rings loud
the dryer spins clothes continuously
..pots and pans hit the stove burners
...tap water flows, splashing in the basin,
water from the hose touches leaves,
.......and the graveled ground
...but, according to my ears and my eyes,
it's a normal morning...the atmosphere, subdued...
suspicions arise when cacophonous sounds
are not heard......something could be wrong...

this being composed in the midst of noise
this unique silence in my rowdy mornings,
......never fails to enfold me......

Sally

Copyright January 25, 2018
rrab
196 · Jul 2020
Garden
Sally A Bayan Jul 2020
\|/...\/...\|/...\/...\|/

On this gift of space,
we maintain a garden
where grows many kinds of seeds,
some flourish...some die...some
are stunted...they just don't grow,

we do what we do best
in this garden
we try to be better,
even when on a standstill,
or when snugs pop up
and distract
we stray from focus...but,
try to get back on track
we...........persevere,
and along the way, we inspire,
and enhance others, too,

we're on the clouds when fruits
of our labor are appreciated
for, high up there is a temple
most of us aim to reach
to experience some glory
to taste sweet water
from the fountain of fame,

but, its flow...dries bit by bit,
winds of change blow, to remind,
there are others, too, in the line,
waiting for their share of drink,
we move over...we give way...
but, we don't stop planting
we just lie low, at times, disappear,
then start down there........again,
like a newcomer........persevering,
aiming for the temple.......again,
not as eager as the first time,
but, just savouring
the blissful feeling,
when it comes...
::::::::::::::::


Sally
©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
July 11, 2020
(Already seven years last March,
  and still moving about, in this
  garden called Hello Poetry...where
  various kinds of poetry are posted,
  and the best poets, who're friends, too,  
have come and gone...come back, then
go again...there are those that are still here
...how i love and miss them all...)
Sally A Bayan Jun 2019
In my part of the world,
there is so much dryness...
sky, slightly weeps;
a light shower seems indecisive,
it'd spray a few seconds...then fade,
hesitant...........later, falls finally,
*******............like pin drops
on wilting rambutan leaves...
...................
sweltering May has passed....yet,
June still steams....and screams from
hotter, drier days.....they almost burn...
............................................
....El Niño lingers
......it destroys properties
.............it claims lives...
........................................................­.
these days,
in other places in the world,
the opposite occurs,
a kind of water flows incessantly,
....unrelenting........it lingers,
......it destroys.....it claims lives...
.....................................................
..­.......................................


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    June 18, 2019
190 · Aug 2023
Dance
Sally A Bayan Aug 2023
Amongst silhouettes on the front yard,
weary mind, fatigued limbs relax,
Lee Ritenour sings "Dreamwalkin,"
no lyrics spoken, just soft humming,
while thinking of summers and
monsoon seasons gone by.
nineteen once...slid to seventies,
smooth, glossy skin have creased,
deeply furrowed, plump with stories,
yet...long taut muscles are now lithe,
softened by missteps and slides,
each day's unexpected rhythms
were reasons to waltz, boogie,
or swing...to balance the stance,
to sway, with grace
to avoid a fall.

A fragrant and pleasant sunset
greets tonight...a sweet refuge,
dimming skies, a comfortable seat,
a glass of pre dinner wine,
as the mind does the samba,
a nasal hum while cd plays
Astrud Gilberto's “So Nice," while
appreciating life's ups and downs,
ahhh...what a graceful dusk!


sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 11, 2023
188 · May 2020
Breaking Silence
Sally A Bayan May 2020
(morning twilight)

\0/    \0/    
\0/    

In the drowsy stillness of
morning twilight.....when
feet are still huddled beneath
a light cotton sheet...the urge
to get up is not too strong
the bed, a hammock of quietude,
is comfortably warm with body heat.
this is the moment....fresh sounds
fresh air, fresh ideas, renewed hope,
all come in...all flow cool and smooth,
joining this civil dawn's atmosphere
......................
i emerge from a peaceful inertia
from this stream of calming thoughts,
rising..........breaking silence...........
......to be at the helm...as usual
........................................
..................­.........................
fried hungarian sausages for breakfast?
...grilled bass and eggplants for lunch?
fried chicken, fried fishcakes for dinner?
with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers?
...................................
is there enough bread, rice, water,
meat, fish to last for the week?
in this lengthening pandemic?
..............................
........................­.
coffee mug is still half-filled....slices
of fried plantain stare back, begging
to be eaten, as chicken, veggies, fish
recipes razzle-dazzle in my mind
a normal moment in my mornings
.............................
oh well...am pouring more coffee
☕️☕️☕️
....................
que sera, sera


Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
May 24, 2020
4:34 AM
(Just woke up...and wrote this)
187 · Mar 2021
Fire
Sally A Bayan Mar 2021
)
   (
)


When days are painted with melancholy,
i go back to those late stargazing nights
when our humble bed burst with
toothpaste and ***-scented whispers,
our eyes, focused above...as if we could
see the big and small dipper through our
bedroom ceiling........as if we could see
stars falling...and the ceiling was our sky
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
some nights, we talked about
growing old...afternoon strolls,
and "six feet under" issues, but
never...never the death of love
(who knew that it could die?)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we were two souls fired by goals,
we were two torches defying winds,
even when fate's gusty winds,
blew against our sails...even when
rain doused the fire in our sky
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we were both drunk.....you from
alcohol...i, from hushed brokenness.
many summers and monsoon seasons
sobered us up...until one day came
subtle fires of new dawns
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
we stared long at each other
with a shared reluctance,
thinking of
times to come,
with and without each other
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
the sunset sky is now layered with
bronze and orange fires, just like
my own embers, still fighting, still red
with flames that dance with a breeze.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


sally b

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
April 2, 2020
184 · Apr 2020
Isolated Thoughts
Sally A Bayan Apr 2020
:::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::­::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The plague is actively claiming precious lives
with its deadly droplets...sadly, not all survive
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::
we are holed up in our own homes
eager to feel back, airs of our known norms
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::
not easy to be without human interaction
though distantly, we fulfill human obligations
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::
quara­ntine, or isolation isn't only a solution
it's a path to meditation and self-evaluation
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::
refuge in solitude, is what we seek,
it's when we hear our inner voices speak.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::        
::::::::::::::::
this is one
unprecedented lenten season
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
there's no end yet, for sickness, and death
in fear, we anticipate.....we hold our breath
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::­:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::­:



Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
   April 8, 2020
181 · Feb 2024
Me and My Shadow
Sally A Bayan Feb 2024
One dry night in June
brought a floating soft tune
of crickets' calling...air was strewn
with their song......the night wind
blew slow and felt silky on skin,
My steps were measured,
a good view, a right shot was needed
for, high up the neighbor's roof,
hang a creamy full moon.

On an empty street...quiet, moon-glowed
there, stood...me and my stilled shadow.
i felt, God put a finger on His lips, the world
was silenced...to hush sounds
to cease movements in the dark mounds
of vacant lots.......to call my attention,
.........to waken my perception.

It was too quiet...not a dog barked.
suddenly, i heard motions in the dark,
a crash...perhaps, a bat made its mark
in my mind, fear sparked
a cold wind swayed the branches
a scary noise, but i shunned my hunches
then fled, as restless leaves rustled 👀 👀
yet, me and my shadow never separated.



Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 24, 2024
180 · Dec 2019
Forgotten
Sally A Bayan Dec 2019
How does it feel to be unimportant?
ignored, like a ***** cracked clay vase,
or an empty soda can, kicked to the wayside,
or, like dark wastelands, where trees, plants,
crops don’t grow, where water doesn’t flow,
they’re like eyes that cry without tears...

the world is aware...but, others refuse to see
people from war-torn places...devastated,
with wounded bodies, minds and feelings,
left in dark despondent halls, forgotten...
it takes long to rebuild structures, and futures;
it takes forever to rebuild crumbled faith and
confidence...begging eyes of orphans, of
the homeless, and the hungry, seek light,
but, they only see a dark horizon...

heavy boats sail in the freezing dark,
striving not to be found...uncertain of
safe sails out, yet, taking chances, facing
risks...for new beginnings...where water
meets shore...better to be gone...forgotten,
like embers, left dying through the night, their
ashes blown to oblivion, by gusty morning winds....

the air is filled with Christmas whispers,
muffled voices, only a few could hear....


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December  2, 2019
167 · May 2021
This Mad, Mad World
Sally A Bayan May 2021
Here in our imperfect world
our lives are influenced by the wind
and the rain, the sun and the moon,
the stars, and thunderous skies.

we live...we love, we get to taste
bitter and sweet, brought upon us
by people dear to us...we opt to
endure a bittersweet life...and love.

inside a room...various thoughts
of a person, or two...occupy and
float in its limited atmosphere,
there're no words...just lumps in
the throat...as a deafening silence
enfolds the room.

that life and love are never fair,
is widely accepted...that both are
painfully beautiful, is a known reality,

"tis better to have loved and lost,
than never to have loved at all," these
are old words...that still reverberate.
to be hurt, to be sad, are much better,
than losing a loved one...to part with
one's beloved is "such sweet sorrow,"
yet, we live through the pain.
what could be more exciting than
a sweet reuniting?

we choose to live, and to love.
and so to heartbreaks...we succumb.
for, amidst the madness,
we find beauty....we find wisdom.

despite its ugly sides and borderlines
we can't just let go of this mad, mad
world...without losing our only world.
no matter how imperfect it is,  
or how injured it has become,
it's still worth saving...worth praising.
:::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::
::::::::
(Friday morning reflections)


sally b

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
   May 21, 2021
(Our world is a huge field planted with conjoined contradictions.)
162 · Jan 2020
Frustrated...
Sally A Bayan Jan 2020
In a sea of enthusiastic voices,
a dominant voice prevailed,
in an effort to command attention,
he inquired:

"Are you...
a frustrated doctor?
a frustrated lawyer?
a frustrated actor?
a frustrated engineer?

are you...
a frustrated nun?
a frustrated linguist?
or, a frustrated biologist?"

i met the eyes of the speaker;

."simply frustrated,"
was my unuttered reply...


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
January 11, 2020
(I went with my grade nine granddaughter  to their career guidance day)
162 · Aug 2019
Flames and Wind
Sally A Bayan Aug 2019
(Haikus)


Moss-wrapped rocks are moist
twilight mist showers nature
palms seek warmth from fire

sparks fly........flames, entice,
.....kiss of fire~~~~~eroticize,
.......eyes seem.....hypnotized,

dazzled....and blinded,
heart plays deaf to rules and truths,
.....but...the mind sees through...

wind stirs the fires....flames
flicker.....the dark night lays claim
.....over things......unchanged...

cold wind...hums same song,
same tune wakes dying embers,
...flames..........refuse to die...




Sally
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 30, 2019
162 · Dec 2021
Still
Sally A Bayan Dec 2021
🎄🌲🎄
::::::::::::
From an uncertain time, i've since  
woken to truths each sunrise brought,
i was soothed by breathtaking sunsets,
and enthralled by full-mooned nights;

i have sung and bathed under
the falling rain...walked and waded
on streams of perilous heavy downpours,
'til i turned life's struggles into poetry.

like birds on my shoulders, seasons
have perched, flown away......and,
still, i exist,
still, i write,
still, i love,
0.9  years have slowly passed, and
still, ink flows through my pen,
still, i am dreaming.......thinking
still, of good souls i've never seen...
:::::::::::::
and though, every day,
this troubled planet
wobbles as it spins,
still......i hope.....and
still, with every breath, i cope.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::­:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::🎄🌲🎄
(­ thoughts on a rainy after Christmas day)

sally b

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
  posted December 26, 2021
158 · Sep 2022
Facing Death
Sally A Bayan Sep 2022
It would be nice to face death
while being loved, not broken
:::::
while being held, not alone,
not sinking in a cold silence
:::::
while drowning in laughter
and not in tears,
:::::
while hair, though mostly gray,
still glows with love’s rays.
:::::
while dismissing the grieving
of those we shall be leaving
:::::
nothing could be braver,
it would be easier,
:::::
to accept, to welcome death
while in deep slumber's breath.
:::::
sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
September 11, 2022
This poem was born after I read "DEATH WISH"
by LORI JONES McCAFFERY. Thanks, Lori!
158 · Mar 2020
Hello...Goodbye
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020
It starts with HI! or HELLO!
a timid eagerness slowly rises...and implodes,
then, comes a wary handshake...lo and behold,
both smile shyly, as sweet conversation follows,

they move on, naively basking in the novelty
of, "us,"...tasting sweet waters of "you and me,"
expecting things to turn out well...eventually...
a seemingly inane anesthaetic created by love, allows
heart to be pricked by thorns...painful, deep, slow...

for some couples, the magic wanes and dies,
damning...dimming, love's bright sunlight...
the hurting one, rather than cringe,
struggles.....copes with sharp fringes
...............................of GOODBYE...

yet, there are lovers who strive,
they give their all, and determinedly survive,
day by day, they rise from the wrong and right,
and are able to laugh in their years of twilight,

recalling first Hellos, when love was a sweet lullaby,
combining efforts, to never ever sing "goodbye."


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    March 29, 2020
155 · Jun 2024
In Betweens
Sally A Bayan Jun 2024
They reside between pages of
magazines, books or journals.
some are yellow...some, white,
jaundiced
by neglect and by time,
lined or otherwise, upon which
are written spur of the moment
thoughts, maybe some nagging
experiences that can't be forgot.
they live amongst fellow papers,
unexplored,
crumpled, dog-eared.

Sun and moon
alternate,
while the unknown
waits.

Finally,
when found again,
the desire to resurrect
rings and echoes like an
indiscreet chime;
suddenly,
a crowd of ideas confuse
the hand and pen...soon
enough, words fall into their
proper places...old scribbled
notes, rediscovered and
revivified, a new poem is born.

Some, unfortunately,
are deleted unconsciously,
or thrown away accidentally,
some are purposely hidden
amongst life's in-betweens.

sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
  June 25, 2024
154 · Sep 2020
Live Their Dreams
Sally A Bayan Sep 2020

*   🌑
      *

Late afternoon sky is a burning
orange...quickly changing
into a dark evening,
a new moon starts peeping...

they have laboured hard, as any day,
work ends not, while there's light,
every sunset, the night drapes them
with cold, comforting shadows,
they claim the night, for themselves,
no masters to order them around,
just them and the fleeing night,
for days seem prolonged, and
nights have become shorter

they beg the sky, and persist,
"please, let the dark stay longer,
why not let the dawn be deferred?
give us space, from each cruel day,
in the dark of night,
let us live our dreams..."

tell them, moon,
whisper to their ears, gentle wind,
whence do they moor their weary souls?
lighten the burdens of their aching lives
give rest to their fatigued brain,
heal their pained arms and feet,

o gentle wind, whisper to their ears,
in your silent ways, lead them, moon,
to a place where freedom reigns
and offers restful slumber....for,

only in the dark of night,
can they live their dreams...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
September 20, 2020
(inspired by Claude Mckay's "The Tired Worker"
146 · Jan 2024
Swarovskis
Sally A Bayan Jan 2024
💎
Restless, useless murmurs
poison the airs
journals and a bead plate stare
back at me, they connive, as i wait.
  💎
On the coffee table,
rough drafts lay parallel
sunlight and clear citrine spears
refuse to create shining tears.
  💎
Ideas dangle, then crumble...penciled,
then crossed out, darkened...the mind
is a lonely mannequin in a dark space,
no fire or warmth...only cold stares,
drab.....no pizzazz.
  💎
There's no glitter or sparkle
to excite an opaque mind,
to sharpen dulled senses,
my words...my beadworks
need candor and splendor.
i need my swarovskis...n o w.
    💎💎💎

Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
    January 17, 2024
145 · Jun 2020
Freedom
Sally A Bayan Jun 2020
(my world)

Azure sky domes over clouds of cotton white,
freshly washed clothes on the clothesline,
sway freely to summer winds...sun is bright,
so generous...............it hurts my eyes.

through a rumble of overgrown bushes, i enter,
my hair, nose, fingers, elbows get tangled
in spiders' webs...i step back, leave their corner
freedom is well-guarded...fortified is their world.

in a nearby school, the flag waves with dignity
national anthem plays...its lyrics vow loudly
to preserve precious freedom...faithfully.
school scenes slow me down...but, i hurry

now, home to my own freedom, my world,
my world...a safe bubble, like...a microcosm,
a microcosm long existing...a secret world,
a secret world i frequent when i need to,
when i need to be...alone, creating poetry,
...creating poetry on life's nitty-gritty
...and trivialities...

inside my world, muse eases the tossing,
turning mind...helps shape scenes to a tee,
lets me go rhyming.....or free versing
in couplets, sonnets, a dirge, or a ditty...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
June 11, 2020
(I wrote of freedom, because tomorrow, June 12, we celebrate Independence Day in  the Philippines.)
133 · Nov 2021
What Do You Do?
Sally A Bayan Nov 2021
You look up to someone
with respect,
a parent, a sibling a friend,
you turn to them, when
you need to vent, or,
just to talk to someone
you trust....you know
you are safe,
you won't be lost.

there comes a day,
you do want to talk...or,
just to cry out your fears,
your worries...to have them
listen to you, even without
saying anything...their mere
presence would suffice.

but, what do you do, when
the  need for them occurs,
they're physically present,
but, "they're not around,"
their minds are elsewhere,
silently trying hard...harder,
to fight their own battles,
to conquer their own demons.

while drifting on uncertain waters,
an old adage reverberates:
"Do your best,
and God will do the rest."
:::::::::
::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::


sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
November 19, 2021
132 · Mar 2020
As If
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020
As if,
...wrapped in strands of golden thread,
shining...atop his spotless white steed
this knight came right to my front scape
as i stood by the garden...wind blew his cape
even as sun shone bright that moment,
sun, gold and white almost had me blinded.

his blue-greenish eyes stared long
as if he already knew me
as if he was to swoop me
as if i needed rescuing,

but, in a swish of wind blowing,
his golden cape flapped...shielding
him...he and his steed's muffled neighing,
were swallowed by the leaves' rustling

he vanished...in a few second's whiff
as if, gobbled by the wind...t'was so brief
something i forgot...a thought made me stiff
oh...what a waste, what a shame,
i didn't get to know my knight's name...

Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
March 20, 2020
(a work of fiction)
131 · Feb 2021
Neutralizing
Sally A Bayan Feb 2021
:::::
:::
:

Odds are...one, or two in ten,
the easy feel of a Sunday morning
can be ruined...a wrong move, or,
a wrong word, hits a raw nerve, and
wakens dormant embers of anger.

It makes one sweat even in January,
when it's usually cold and breezy.

Cooler minds patiently try to
neutralize tension-filled moments,
they soften rigid tempers, painting
light blue over red...it's like defusing
a bomb that would explode soon,
it's like treading, tiptoeing on thin ice,
it's a sink-or-swim thing...

Blowing off hot steam takes long...it's
hard to keep warm spaces in between,
when frozen, stinging air from the
past...lingers still

How exhausting! but it can be most rewarding,
when cold winds take over, to heal angered,
hardened hearts...when the warmth of
peace steadily creeps, and conquers all.
:::::::::::
:::::::
:::
:
"Pass the pastis, please," i spoke
to myself, as i raised both legs on my bed,
so relieved, a storm had passed.
it was good to be in my room,
alone...



sally b


© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 8, 2021
131 · Apr 2021
Shadowed Man
Sally A Bayan Apr 2021
:::::::::::::: 🎼 🎷🎷🎷🎼 :::::::::::::


Late hours of a Saturday night,
the shadowed man
toyed with his sax, and played
a beautiful excerpt from,
"Silhouettes,"
soon, it skillfully...beautifully
segued to its main piece,
"It Was Almost Like A Song."

the space was scarcely lighted,
there were whispers, yet, all listened.
eyes were glued to the darkened face
of the shadowed man.
they hummed,
as they held their glasses of wine.
some softly sang the lyrics.

the pieces he played each night,
were journeys,
he took his audience
cruising along a boulevard,
drenched with the blues.
that unfathomable sadness
in his eyes spoke
of a brokenness,
louder...than words.

there in the dark, as he played his sad
songs, a face always accompanied him,
a face he longed to see,
somewhere in a cold place,
who had so much love
and warmth in her heart.

while he finds comfort in the shadows,
he often asks himself,
"until when will i be playing this song ?
until when, will i be,
in the shadows?"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::­::: 🎼 🎷🎷🎷🎼 :::::::::::::

sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
April 28, 2021
#sax #silhouettes #almostlikeasong #shadowedman
127 · Dec 2023
Disarray
Sally A Bayan Dec 2023
/!|\^/?

A little disorder in the hair:
a curl goes on its own...astray,
some loose strands
escape from its bun,
like a new style, it stuns,
as if it was styled that way.

A bit twisted collar, with a stain
of tiny brown dots...conspicuous,
but, a fine distraction, for its wearer
boasts of a perfect fair neck.

Ankle-length pants...hide
a shoe lace gone awry
during rushed moments, yet,
passes, "just like normal,"
almost unnoticeable...

Some freckles on the face,
a few pimples, yet, a wee
sweet smile compensates,
erases all what others see
as carelessness, or disarray.

Some shiver even on a slight
trace of mess...others find delight
in imperfection, a kind of  grace
felt from within, and appreciated
with a smiling face.

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
  December 23, 2023
126 · Nov 2019
Eye To Eye
Sally A Bayan Nov 2019
A cold sunset wind blew, as i
stared at the old fortune tree,
its dusty, spider-webbed leaves parted a bit,
who knew, i would have a peek of its
resident creature?...woken now,
and ready, to unveil itself....

soon enough, it started circling
front and back of the house,
flinging itself, crashing inside fruit trees,
reveling in the spreading dark of dusk,
flying, like an airborne kamikaze plane,
aiming at its target...resting lizards
and crickets stirred, for,
  it was searching for food...

from the sweetsop tree, it nosedived
into the terrace, then swooshed up
again, driving peaceful candle flames
into restlessness..i wondered...did it
dislike the fire from my row of scented
candles? did i violate its privacy? did i
start it all, when earlier, the bat and i,
...were staring....eye to eye?
:::::::


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
October 31, 2019
123 · Mar 2020
*Song*
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020

(of Solomon)


On starry nights,
i think of the comets and meteors
that graced the starlit skies of past nights,
of falling stars, as i uttered my wishes,
and remembered sweet words spoken,
like a love song...

"you are my sun, my source of light,
my moon...my accompanying glow at night,
you are my rainbow,"
to hear you say them, was just divine...

feelings and people may not live long enough
but love....is stronger than death...

i refuse to acknowledge a lukewarm, or dying love
dwelling embers might just need to be fanned
no anger, or raging fire, must consume one's heart
after darkness from a broken heart, loss, or pain,
always comes the light...as promised by God...


* "Close your heart to every love but mine;
    hold no one in your arms but me.
Love is as powerful as death;
    passion is as strong as death itself.
It bursts into flame
and burns like a raging fire."

   *(Song of Solomon 8:6 -- Good News Translation)


(From an old poem...edited)


Sally
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
March 10, 2020
* "Close your heart to every love but mine;
    hold no one in your arms but me.
Love is as powerful as death;
    passion is as strong as death itself.
It bursts into flame
and burns like a raging fire." *
   ***(Song of Solomon 8:6 -- Good News Translation)***
(a biblical passage close to my heart)
121 · Feb 2020
Some Days...
Sally A Bayan Feb 2020
.......melancholy is impossible
to deal with...it enfolds you, and
messes with the day's pressures...

........and why is it, that,

on some days,
sad winds just don't whisper,
sweet, blissful thoughts take shape,
and arrest painful memories...then,

a smile suddenly graces my face...

thereupon, flows ....remembrance,
old feelings, old faces come back...
once spoken words of love, of wisdom,
create an atmosphere of calm...

feelings that couldn't be writ
become unposted poems...they drift
in dark waters of an inner hell,
........... keeping truths to tell,
.........................raring to be read
to a distant heart...praying they'll be heard
one day....when on the same grounds,
....where unruffled moments surround,
when closest, and feeling the warmth
..................of our every breath...

some days,
sad realities and sorrows are silenced
by faith and hope...good times dance,
creating sparks in the dark firmament...
.........like dazzling meteors and comets,
we temporarily forget painful moments...
...........
..................
.....................
.­........................
........................................­..
(a sudden bout of sadness, and of being silly :))
ahh, it feels good to be silly at times.....to be free!)


Sally

Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
September 16, 2019
120 · Aug 2020
Surviving the Pandemic
Sally A Bayan Aug 2020
I should be tired by now,
but,
monsoon season is here, and
we are swimming as far
and as fast as we could,
away from the murky waters
of this pandemic...
it is hard enough
to ensure the safety
of the family.....to
protect them,
we are okay, but,
it is heartbreaking
to see other people are not,
they're suffering...i do my best
to help, yet, unable to
help the way i want to,
because..........i can't,

this is not just
about health...it is
also a human, economic
and social crisis...
economy is at its worst,
no signs of business activities
unemployment continues to rise
people are hungry...without shelter;
people are broken.....financially,
and otherwise

what's worse,
there are those who
use these difficult times
to instill confusion and fear,
people who deprive
the most vulnerable ones,
of much needed assistance.

clearly, hard times
bring out the worst
and the best in people
and situations...

we are going lower
than where we used
to be.....if we do sink,
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
how do we survive?


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 12, 2020
118 · Mar 2020
Through Dreams
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020
I wonder what in this world
could ever be worth a thought
from you, or me...if it were not
about love........if it weren't
......because of love...

long, long hours of late nights,
make me think of that huge  
world that parts us two,
boundless lands and oceans,
i span them all, to be with you
.....just......to be with you

my wings take me to neverland...
there, where all my dreams are fulfilled,
where grass is always fresh, never dry.,
where sunshine never hurts my eyes
and skin...no immeasurable seas and
boundless lands...just cool streams,
and fields of green, gold and amber,
and by the bend is where love resides,
you're always there...i never have to wait...

yet, I know my truths...just a taste,
just a preview of my own prairie,
.................my own Utopia...
a few minutes of being daft,
.........................why not?


Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
March 25, 2020
(pardon the mushy write, fellow poets, it's my way of coping
with my fears...seems the virus is closing in on the whole world.)
108 · Mar 2020
Conduits
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020
In distance and in proximity...in despair
and joy...in existing and in dying...in the
bliss of love reciprocated, and in the pain
of love unrequitted...verses dance and call,
awaiting......

poetry has its own pulse, its own heartbeat,
it calls, taps the shoulders any moment,
awake, or adrift, it just can't be ignored...
even in a tangled, or weird circumstance,
it sparks like a bulb or a comet, curving
in a rainbow...riotous some days, teasing, fleeing,
then, turning up at unexpected times and places.

in every bit and breath of life, in every seed,
in every drop of dew, in every ember burning,
there is poetry birthing, growing...

deep within us flows green, purple, red,
glum gray, darkened inspirations...fleeting,
but, when time is ripe, they linger long,
giving us time to capture them all
.............................................
we sense them...we give space
we speak them, or we write them,
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::we are conduits:::::::


Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 11, 2020
107 · Dec 2022
Handkerchief
Sally A Bayan Dec 2022
Serendipity
is a random surprise,
like a handkerchief
suddenly present
to wipe off sweat,
timidity, fear, anxiety,
and also ice that have
been broken...and
have melted.

The air,
once cold with worries,
suddenly warms  up  
and beams with  comfort.
and confidence.

Serendipity,
brings about miracles
tugging on its tail,
for a soul merely grasping
for an invisible bar, with
almost zero percent of hope,
ready to fall……..or, maybe,

for two persons bound by love,
a beautiful, unexpected
chance meeting can do so much.

Serendipity
is a white handkerchief
brought out of the pocket
or bag…fallen from the sky,
fragrant with fresh hope
and good luck.



sally b

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

November 7, 2022
105 · May 2020
The New Normal
Sally A Bayan May 2020
Within the confines
of areas quarantined
people hold discussions,
hued with apprehension

murmurs
about new songs,
play in the air
they're actually old songs
given new lyrics  
same life..reorganized
new ways...introduced,
to be etched
into our minds,
our systems
for how long?
it isn't yet, known...


stubborn minds say
abrupt!...harsh!
unbelievable! yet,
we will soon be
transformed...
new themes, new
styles, new clothes
different styles...

topics on chats
reverberate
in peoples' minds
they have been pulsed
and repulsed
will they soon be enforced???
true???...or false?

to flow, or not to flow
with the new waters
poured into our pools?

the choice is obvious

some old habits
have to die

if this "The New Normal"
could ensure our safety
and lengthen our lives,
.............why not?
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
May 31, 2020
101 · Apr 2020
The Lighter Side of The Day
Sally A Bayan Apr 2020
: (   : (  ---  : )   : )

Eyes have opened
i am wakened

now longing for steaming coffee
to shrug off lethargy, and anxiety,

shortly, the severity of today's statistics
will air...how do we fight inner hysterics?

we watch, side by side, real and fake news,
we've plunged deeper, there's more to lose,

we miss fresh air, our jobs, our daily income,
in desperation, we ask, "where art thou, freedom?"

while medical and non-medical front-liners,
tackle and battle another corona-ed 24 hours...

morning birds' tweets, the crowing of rooster
blend with the riotous hum of the old washer

eight dogs chase a stray cat...one is ahead,
while still biting a piece of tasty 😋 bread...

i hear somebody sweeping...clearing
the backyard from the dogs' doings


my morning
  is ongoing 😷





Sally



©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
  April 22, 2020--5:30 am
101 · Feb 2020
Early Morning
Sally A Bayan Feb 2020
Splinters of thoughts bombard my half woken mind,
.......and pressure consciousness to settle in...
a mix of muse and the devil's intrusion
disgruntles....ruins cold mornings' lethargy.
inspiration fights desperation...
the aroma of a hurried mug of instant coffee,
brings clarity, and defines my situation...
i slowly blend in...interact with my real world
table is decked with the remains of steaming
fried rice, and ham and cheese omelet...
footsteps rush towards the gate...
goodbyes are uttered...school bus waits
instant coffee's gone cold, i think of freshly brewed,
...the grinds of a new day......has just started...


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
February 22, 2020
Good morning to everyone!
96 · Aug 2020
Anticipation
Sally A Bayan Aug 2020
Anticipation

<~> <~> <~>

I feel, it's taking longer
before the monthly
tearing-off
of the calendar

close to one hundred
and fifty days now,
...and counting on,
trying to foreknow;
September is about
to come in.....and
i still hear
anticipated mass
via live streaming;

we worship, we trust,
we pray for our family
for the whole world,
it is just normal, that
we worry, we envision,  
and with a strong faith,
we get ready, for
whatever fate
befalls us...as a nation
and...as individuals...

within restrictive spaces
all we can do is pray,
do some wishful thinking
and yes....anticipate...


Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 29, 2020

Sally

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
August 29, 2020
90 · Jan 2020
Seasons
Sally A Bayan Jan 2020
They're often cliched, yet always uttered
the real essence of the quote, "life is short."
struck me, as i was clearing my jaded eyes...

the “winter of life” is how they call it,
when your numbers are higher than those
on the calendar...when doing the stairs
shouldn’t be rushed, for, slowing down
is not a choice...but, a must.
:::::
despite challenges and changes that
overwhelm, there's this sprightly feeling
that still breathes within, like second skin,
as short hair, sneakers, skinny jeans and
t-shirts are to me...age hasn't weakened
this longing for adventure, this wanderlust,
unaffected by tedious procedures and
long queues at the airport...
:::::::
like a cat...i purr not, while exploring,
Yet, always wary in the midst of curiosity...
still wondering what's beyond the fence, or,
how to cross traditions, or, sensitive issues,
without displeasing, or hitting a raw nerve...
::::::
much to do,
much to see, but
   not much time...
::::::
at this point in my life, i feel, life is short(er)
the weeks, the months could be no longer
days turn foggier, or hazier, yet, it's not at all winter,
here, in my own space, it's always summer, where
short hair, jeans, tshirts, and sneakers are bestsellers,
where numbers, wrinkles and sags don't really matter...
:::::::::::::



Sally
© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
January 3, 2020
77 · Mar 2020
Perhaps
Sally A Bayan Mar 2020
Almost no vehicles on the road
instead, there're long queues of people
filling the sidewalks...more batteries needed
for thermal guns to check temperatures 🤒
before they are allowed to pass through...
perhaps, first times are really unpredictable

people are in panic...buying more than what
they need...ignoring the needs of their fellow
human beings...perhaps, crises make people
selfish, greedy...we are being indifferent 😑

it's like, the virus comes from a chimney
exploding its black, infectious smoke
throughout its immediate surroundings,  
and far, far beyond borders

perhaps...nature is trying to call our attention
perhaps...we don't care, the world is crying, "help!"
perhaps...God is speaking...we just refuse to hear...


Sally

©Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
March 18, 2020
73 · Jan 2020
Heroes
Sally A Bayan Jan 2020
They stopped,
from what they were busy with
and rushed to where they knew
they could be of sevice..to rescue,
lead to safer grounds, those driven out
of their homes, their lands...those who've
gone thirsty, gone hungry....gone cold

some quickly sent food and other goods
some brought their physical presence,
didn't care about their own safety...volunteered,
and joined those who trod on the mud
amidst widespread ashfall, imminent
tremors and ensuing eruptions.

it was selflessness at its peak...
.....some have died while helping,
some are still there....serving
..........alleviating suffering

they got no wings, no superpowers
no red or blue capes, no web-spewing wrists,
they're God-sent angels, armed with love and
concern...understanding for human suffering

i call them......H E R O E S...


Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
January 16, 2020
70 · Jan 2020
Starting Over
Sally A Bayan Jan 2020
^ ^ ^ ^ ^

As December ended...as January
slipped in...as new year's fireworks
soared and vanished in the atmosphere,
newfound energy, renewed courage, and
fresh opportunities entered the scene.

we got to let go of old, stubborn ways
and attitudes...and welcome new perspectives,
new methods, new faces...with open minds.

in little ways, we go on celebrating...showing
gratitude for being endowed with precious life,
for birthdays...ours...our loved ones'...near or
far...we remember, with fuss...or, in silence.

February is calling
it's never too late to start over,
to open our doors to new beginnings, any
time, any day...let us enhance, let us celebrate
precious life...let us remember...let us move on.

Sally

Copyright Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
January 24, 2020
45 · Dec 2024
Lunch
Sally A Bayan Dec 2024



The cold temperature keeps me wrapped,
and yet...purposes must not be forgot,
this time, chores keep arising, yet
prioritized plans have to come first.

A dark brownish pool in a deep pan, waits,
a mix of soy sauce and squeezed lemon,
generously sprinkled with ground pepper
invades the nostrils........soon,

Small slices of meat would be like
creatures drowning within...left a while,
to absorb color and flavor...a raw, fragrant
marinade wherein secrets are created.

A newly honed knife rules the scene, and
cruelly cuts potatoes, bell peppers and
carrots...it crushes and slices the garlic,
the onions, and the tomatoes....shortly,

The music begins: garlic, onions, tomatoes
make a noise of protest as they hit hot oil
in a hot steel ***...yet, hand carefully leads
the spoon while sautéing these aromatics.

Marinated meat is added, and it becomes
noisier...as meat's color changes, marinade
is poured over the meat; bay leaves, oregano,
and some cracked peppercorns are dropped;

Ahh...the aroma spreads  as the sauce boils,
time to pour in a cup of Italian tomato sauce;
a lovely sight when mixture starts to simmer!
while mixing the sauce, one becomes hungrier.

In fifteen minutes, carrots, potatoes, and bell
peppers would add color to the mixture,
some washed raisins for a sweeter taste.
what a fragrant blend of ingredients !

Finally,  small slices of pork or beef liver are
added...sauce bubbles as it boils...heat is
turned off, liver gets tougher when cooked longer;
finally, a gentle dash of oregano and chili flakes.

Voila! Menudo is done, with
pork barbecue fresh from
the grill......welcome
to a simple Christmas lunch!


sally b

© Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan
December 25, 2024
#simple #lunch #menudo #Christmas #sallyb

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